WINDSCRAPER

Ever since the first air-conditioning system was installed in 1902, our interior world became independent from the world outside. Although this is sometimes called ‘efficient’, sealed buildings completely disassociate us from the natural world, leading to greater energy consumption and pollution, a key component of the global environmental crisis. In order to save us from the imminent ecological catastrophe, strategies of energy efficiency and sustainability must move beyond conservation: we need buildings that harvest the environment for energy, synergizing the building’s performance with natural forces.

In our concept, the building is equipped with an additional layer of wind energy harvesting technology that serves three main purposes. First, it transforms wind energy into electrical energy using a wind-farm façade that is equipped with power-rod extensions and wind catchers resembling artificial leaves. A real-time display of environmental conditions, the technology is inspired by the research and development of Seabased Inc., a company responsible for a Swedish wave energy park where the movement of waves is translated into usable electrical energy. Secondly, the façade acts like a tree canopy, generating calming sounds when the artificial leaves move, reconnecting the building’s occupants with the natural environment, and offering a new type of natural experience within a high-rise. Research has proven that when people inside of a building connect to the outside world they have a higher tolerance for climate discomfort, effectively lowering the need for excessive cooling and heating. Last, the artificial leaves act as shading devices while allowing for a clear view of the sleek curtain wall, generating a new, open and stimulating relationship between the city and the formerly generic tower.

There are additional, exterior stairs that meander through the wind-harvesting leaves, allowing occupants to connect from floor to floor more efficiently. They also provide the opportunity to walk through the dynamic, vertical forest-like field.

The existing façade is retrofitted with high-performance Sentry Glass for transparency and strength. Alesta Eco Coating gives the wind catching façade its durable yet beautiful white glow.