Abstract

Buildings account for approximately 40% of global energy consumption, making energy efficiency in the building sector critical for addressing environmental concerns and reducing overall energy demand. Achieving this requires designing buildings that use energy efficiently, minimizing waste while maintaining comfort and functionality. Among the strategies to achieve these goals are advanced thermal comfort systems, innovative slab techniques, and passive cooling methods. This project reimagines the design of a multistory office building by integrating prefabricated Gradient Cast Slabs and an innovative thermally activated column system. The slab system comprises prefabricated layers, each with a distinct function, offering adaptability to meet specific requirements. Fabricated using advanced casting technologies, these modular slabs interlock to form a cohesive system that optimizes structural performance and enhances sustainability. The building also features Gradient Cast Concrete Columns, inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s +shaped designs. These columns include hollow sections for water circulation as part of a Thermally Activated Building System (TA BS), facilitating efficient thermal regulation through strategically placed openings. The solid sections ensure structural stability, while the gradient geometry introduces a distinctive aesthetic element. Together, the slab and column systems establish a new architectural language characterized by innovative geometry and expressive design. Additionally, the building design incorporates a central atrium to support passive cooling, utilizing evaporative and ventilation strategies to further reduce energy consumption. On the facade, High-Performance Glazing Systems (HPGS ) provide an effective solution for minimizing energy usage while maximizing comfort and productivity for occupants. These innovative glazing techniques enhance thermal properties and leverage advanced technologies, such as low-emissivity coatings, vacuum gaps, and photovoltaic integration, establishing a new paradigm in energy-efficient architectural design. This combination of modular prefabrication, sustainable thermal systems, and adaptive architectural elements offers a forward-thinking solution that prioritizes energy conservation, user comfort, and advanced concrete technologies, redefining possibilities for sustainable office environments.

Keywords: Gradient Cast Concrete Slabs, Thermally Activated Building Systems (TA BS), Modular Prefabrication Techniques, Sustainable Architectural Design, Thermal and Acoustic Performance, Architectural Aesthetic Geometry, Passive Cooling Strategies.

Cemex Innovation Holding AG, Brügg branch, Switzerland

Joined the fabrication team for a concrete shell for the exhibition Felix Candela - Function, Form, and Elegance of Concrete Shells at Fondation Pavillon Sicli in Geneva, Switzerland on August 22, 2024. The exhibition was a collaboration between APTUM Architecture and CEMEX Global R&D. 

I had the honor of joining Aptum Architecture as a research assistant and collaborating with the greatest fabrication team at Cemex to contribute to the construction of a concrete shell for the exhibition “Felix Candela - Function, Form, and Elegance of Concrete Shells” at the Fondation Pavilion Sicli in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 22, 2024.

This project has been an incredible opportunity to explore the intersection of innovative design and advanced concrete fabrication techniques, inspired by the legacy of Felix Candela. I am deeply grateful to my supervisors, Professor Roger Hubeli and Professor Julie Larsen at Aptum Architecture, for their mentorship and support, which have been instrumental in making this experience both educational and rewarding. 

The Aqua Arch pavilion is an architectural marvel that embodies the symbiosis of form and function, inspired by nature’s proficiency in water harvesting. Its wave-like canopy of steel-reinforced concrete not only ensures strength but also hosts a textured surface akin to the cacti and the Namib Desert beetle, designed to capture and condense atmospheric humidity. This collected moisture is funneled into built-in reservoirs, showcasing a commitment to sustainable water sourcing. Ingeniously integrating a “Slope for Water Collection,” the structure’s design channels rainwater efficiently into storage, ensuring that every drop is utilized. Furthermore, the pavilion leverages natural air circulation, drawing in cooled air that provides a tranquil, cooling haven for its visitors. The Aqua Arch stands as a testament to sustainable design, marrying the art of architecture with the science of environmental harmony, and offering a serene, climate-conscious space for reflection and community gathering.

Durio: A Conceptual Framework:

The essence of this project is the creation of Durio, a conceptual community modeled on Central Henderson and Redfield's realistic strategies. Situated at the confluence of two rivers, Durio employs a unique approach to "Managed Retreat," focusing on climate resilience, economic enhancement, and community enrichment.

Key Strategies and Innovations

1.      Canal System for Water Management: The primary design is a canal system, serving as a backbone for efficient water management. It aims to ensure a reliable water supply for agriculture, mitigating risks of drought and flood. The canal is also pivotal in maintaining ecological balance and supporting a diverse agricultural landscape.

2.      Dam with Renewable Energy Production: The inclusion of a dam in Durio's design allows for controlled water flow and renewable energy generation, aligning with sustainable development goals while aiding in flood management.

3.      Infrastructure Development: Proposed infrastructural enhancements include reinforcing existing bridges and constructing new ones. These developments prioritize safety, connectivity, and economic growth while minimizing environmental impacts.

4.      Rewilding and Eco-Tourism: An innovative aspect of Durio is the rewilding of the old river area, which simultaneously serves as a natural habitat and a tourist attraction, fostering a balance between conservation and local economic growth.

5.      Civic Spaces and Community Connectivity: Durio's design also includes multi-purpose civic spaces along the new river area, catering to various community needs and ensuring Durio remains a vibrant, interconnected community.