Community, Climate, and Sustainability
As the course of the Zhongshan project demonstrates, committing to global sustainability requires rethinking the conventional power grid—no small task in even the most progressive communities. Rather than perceiving cities as networks of users hooked up to a main power source, city planners, architects, and designers are beginning to understand that buildings themselves can be generators, particularly on a large scale. Although this way of thinking opens up inspiring possibilities, the rapid advancement of sustainable architecture also requires a discerning approach to design that carefully considers the pros and cons of all available options.
Zhongshan presents one example of how a convention complex can operate as its own sustainable urban center, fulfilling the economic and social needs of a developing region without draining its natural resources. Because of its size and distinctive design, the center and its roof have the particular capacity to house a high-performance power field, whether a trellis of 2,500 wind turbines or a roof of 800 solar collectors. By refining the roof and ultimately committing to the most effective system, the final design embodies SOM’s approach to contemporary problem solving.
In the search for the best sustainable solution, it is not enough to adhere to conventions, but rather designers must test a plan, put pressure on it, adapt it when necessary, glean from its forward-thinking initiatives, respect its inspired moments, and ultimately integrate a range of ideas into a building that intelligently and poetically responds to the environment and community in which it exists.
Sarah Coffey | SOM Chicago
Back to Top