The End!

In our last lecture of the course, Bill Sherman explored different case studies and how they utilize different systems. It was a great way to include all the different principles and systems we have learned over the course of the semester and wrap up and clarify concepts, demonstrating how beautiful buildings can be designed, not around these systems but with them.

One of the case studies Bill spoke about was the  Sidwell Friend’s School in Washington D.C by Kiran Timberlake Associates, Andropogon Associates and Natural Systems International.

At the front of the school, lies a terraced wetland garden planted with various local plants. This garden also functions as part of the wastewater treatment for the building. Thus in this building there a wetland system incorporated where the water is coming through the building through primary filters into bio squalls and being recycled as great water. What is most fascinating is how the courtyard, central place of the building is where the water treatment plant is located, this further explores the concept of complete building integration of nature with the built structure. Furthermore, the storm water run off from the buildings’ green roof is accumulated into a pond that students can use for biology research.

Moreover, the green roof acts as an insulator for the building and also functions as part of the water recycling system. It acts as an outdoor classroom by allowing students to see the green features in the building. These include: rooftop vegetable garden run by the teachers and students, PV cells to provide energy for the building, and solar chimneys that allow for passive ventilation.

For more information: http://www.sidwell.edu/green_tour/index.aspx

Another project that Bill spoke about was the Institute for Forestry and Nature Research by Stephan Behnisch in Alterral, Netherlands. This building is interesting as it becomes a solar greenhouse with gardens and intricate spaces are created throughout the space but the building becomes narrow and slivers between garden machines. Another great design strategy is that this building almost needs nothing in terms of energy consumption!