|
41 Cooper Square, New York
Architect: Thomas Mayne
This is one of the latest projects of the architect Thom Mayne, awarded for the energy and audacity of his work at the Energy Performance + Architecture Award at Interclima+Elec 2010 (Paris).
The building was designed in accord with high quality environmental standards and is still the top academic building in New York, certified LEED*.
As a provocateur of the flashy style, the American used to rebellious constructions has turned "green", aware that energy efficiency must take a more prominent place in architecture. He underlines the responsibility of his role.
The Cooper Union academic centre in New York illustrates his initiative, the importance he gives to today’s social, economic, environmental, cultural, political and technical elements. The building replaces a neo classical two storey building and provides an original and profound synthesis between the town and a venerable one hundred and fifty year old institution.
41 Cooper square is presented in the form of a grouping of vertical structures, organised round a central square designed to promote interdisciplinary exchanges between students from three departments on Union Square.
The abrupt and deep cracks and large scar on the main façade reveal an impressive central atrium, the heart of the building. The lifts only stop on certain floors to encourage use of the central staircase to promote social interaction and exercise. Secondary lifts still serve each level to conform to access regulations for the disabled.
A double shell of a semi transparent screen made up of 50% perforated stainless steel panels surrounded by a glass envelope functions as a cloak to control temperature. The energy sources are essentially renewable, with use of natural ventilation, optimisation of natural light, installation of cogeneration equipment and radiating ceilings for heating and cooling, the creation of a roof garden to recover run off water. All these systems provide 40% energy saving for a standard building of this type.
Last but not least, Thomas Mayne has recycled the refuse from construction (over 80% of refuse has been recycled) as well as the refuse from the demolition of the original construction (over 94%).
* North American Construction Standardisation system for high quality environmental buildings created by the US Green Building Council in 1998.
|
