My project investigates biophilia and its application to the urban setting. Initial freehand sketches using biophilic precedents such as the double helix as seen in DNA resulted in an opportunistic design with 3 separate but intertwined towers fulfilling the requirements of the brief whilst questioning public access to green spaces in urban areas as well as the long term programme beyond the end life of traditional high rises.
By using a heavyweight concrete primary frame, structural changes over the lifespan are limited but embodied energy is higher relative to its surrounding counterparts in the construction phase. This embodied energy is offset by the elongated lifespan and user shift of my project from researchers, office workers and the public to a natural air filter serving as a public park.
With many office buildings limiting public access to ground floor areas, my scheme utilises this space as an invitation to the vertical public spaces through the ground floor landscape’s interaction with the exoskeleton, atrium and feature waterfall. These guide public users to the exposed garden and greenhouse towers, providing a unique view over the surrounding cityscape.
Open plan office spaces maximise views and allow natural light to reach all areas of the plan, with balconies ensuring privacy from the adjacent buildings. The remaining areas are dedicated to the tree growth laboratories, comprising of environmentally controlled nurseries and research spaces.
Sustainability of the project is ensured through the aforementioned lifespan as well as a water recycling and filtration system using concepts from sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), recycled steelwork in the exoskeleton and automated double skin façade.
I'm currently looking to complete a year in industry in order to progress further as a professional.
