Page 224 - Green Building Through Integrated Design

200 CONCEPTUAL AND SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Figure 10.3 The Genzyme Center allows warm air to rise naturally through
“stack effect” ventilation, to be exhausted through the top of the atrium. The
exhaust air is replaced by cooler outside air most of the year. Operable windows
and programmable blinds also help to moderate temperature swings and bring
fresh air into the building. Courtesy of Behnisch Architekten.

4 Where do winter and summer winds come from? What are their frequency, mag-
nitude, and duration? Are “wind rose” data from the site available from reliable
sources? Do we have time to measure the wind resource for a year before the final
design is set in stone?
5 How will localized wind directions and air pressures affect a design for natural
ventilation? Will this information change as planned buildings are developed near
our site?
6 Can we use internal circulation routes as air passages for natural ventilation? How
can we help the building breathe? What will natural ventilation do to and for the
building’s interior layout?
7 Should the building be “sealed” for climate control, or can we open it up in various
ways, with operable windows or “stack effect” ventilators?
8 Are operable windows compatible with other program needs? How will we com-
municate to building occupants when it’s OK to open the windows?
9 Are we looking at radiant ceiling systems for heating and cooling? Are they
accepted in this region? How will we control condensation and humidity?
10 Have we investigated using underfloor air distribution systems (raised access
floors) for this project, both in terms of cost and technical feasibility?