GREEN OFFICE 2015: Workplace of the Future
by Olivia Chen, 06/25/09
The Netherlands being the tiny country that it is, it’s no surprise that we tend to look to them for innovative design for dense urban spaces. RAU Architects developed their Green Office 2015 concept for a multi-functional office building that combines a spacious interior for comfortable working and ample green space for recreation. Designed for a site with existing infrastructure, this green office integrates sustainable transportation and is outfitted with photovoltaic cells and wind turbines to keep the office’s carbon footprint low.
For a productive working environment, the architects proposed interior and exterior features that would encourage a balanced working style. The interior of the office includes an adjustable ventilation system for comfort, as well as surface lighting that will provide more even illumination than traditional lighting. The outside of the building is designed with a verdant green roof and central courtyard — both to invite employees outdoors and to create opportunities for mingling.
To make this development eco-friendly, the architects approached energy efficiency in three ways: first, conservation through efficient insulation; second, re-use by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy (although the proposal does not give specific details about this process); third, clean energy production through the use of photovoltaic cells and wind turbines.
RAU Architects is currently working to implement the Green Office 2015 concept in three different locations.
Interesting exteriors, it seems they relate to the rest of the city by having a view from the top of the green roof. It looks like a big mountaing in wich the space was craved to generate the patios and the buildings. Even the way in which someone reaches the project via train probably gives the sensation as if you were reaching a mountain.
I’d just like to see some cross sections and plans to know how the interior spaces are solved.