24 Sep The Hive
London based designer Thomas Heatherwick is the architect behind the building of the 12 towers of stacked, rounded rooms, resembling dim sum baskets. The design came from the brief to create a building without corridors, but incorporating spaces and balconies for people to stop, think and talk, showcasing NTU new approaches towards collaborative and interactive learning styles.
Pushing the boundaries of modern architecture, NTU’s iconic building The Hive displays their commitment towards the environment. In 2013, this appealing learning hub received the Green Mark Platinum Award from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Singapore’s national benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
The Hive incorporates a generous amount of natural foliage in its design. The internal vertical greenery and rooftop terraces provide a garden experience in the urban concrete jungle. The greenery reduces the glare of the sun rays and natural heat gain, diminishing reliance on artificial cooling devices. The building’s inverted shape results in the upper floors shading the lower levels, further providing reprieve from the tropical heat.
Other innovative eco-friendly features include the unique ventilation system that serves as a more sustainable alternative to conventional air conditioning, with expectation of up to 30% energy savings. The building is equipped with special metal coils with cold water flowing through them. This cools the wind that enters the classroom and removes hot air via convection, removing the need for any air conditioning or fans. de
Other energy-saving features include energy-efficient light and motion sensors in classrooms, toilets and staircases, keeping lighting usage flexible. On top of that, the layout of the building maximises natural lighting, which further reduces its need for energy.
What do you think this award wining building smells like?
References
No Comments