Bioclimatic Design
Narrative:
The Center is composed of three interconnected spaces: the forecourt and roof canopy, the linear reception and administration building, and the auditorium, which is sheltered by a sloping green roof. Each part of the structure reduces energy use through the use of passive design strategies tailored to the local climate.
The dramatic roof canopy provides a basic shelter that emulates the adjacent alley of mature oaks. The top surface of the canopy is covered with a reflective material, reducing solar heat gain and minimizing the project's contribution to the urban heat-island effect. The long and narrow shape of the central reception building allows daylight to penetrate all interior spaces. A wooden brise-soleil wraps the western and southern walls of the building to reduce unwanted heat gain and glare. On temperate days, glass doors and windows slide open to provide cross ventilation. The semi-intensive green roof of the auditorium, planted with native species, provides thermal insulation as well as acoustical insulation from the flight path overhead. Skylights and a long window with a frogs-eye view of the water channel bring light into this partially underground space.
source: http://www.aiatopten.org