One Central Park / Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Our modern urban landscape has witnessed a surge in skyscraper construction worldwide, driven by factors such as technological advancements, increasing density, and competitive pressures for height. The allure of fully glazed facades and expansive curtain walls is often achieved at the cost of functionality. In these towers, operable windows are sacrificed for aesthetics and views, resulting in “solar heat monsters” that heavily rely on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for cooling.
The continuous development of glass technologies, from single-glazed to multi-layered systems, as well as improvements in HVAC efficiency, have contributed to the rising popularity of skyscrapers. However, a focus on glass and mechanical solutions may overlook other cost-effective, passive design strategies that could complement the high-tech approach.
Adaptive and efficient facades offer an effective way to reduce solar heat gain in skyscrapers, especially in hot climates. Incorporating external shading elements that can open and close to balance views and thermal protection is more effective than internal blinds or curtains, as they block sunlight before it enters the building. Examples such as the Institut du Monde Arabe and the Al Bahar Towers demonstrate innovative, adaptive facade designs that challenge the traditional all-glass appearance.
Another passive strategy is the integration of green facades with operable windows. Lightweight, minimalist green solutions can create a natural shading layer, offering benefits such as air purification and improved thermal and visual comfort. Projects like One Central Park and The Modern Village Office demonstrate how green facades can be integrated with glazed curtain walls.
As urban centers continue to densify, architects and designers are obligated to explore passive design solutions that reduce reliance on mechanical systems and support a more energy-efficient future for high-rise architecture. Exhibitions like Emerging Ecologies at MoMA are pushing this discussion forward, encouraging the development of ecologically responsible facades that challenge the traditional glazed curtain wall.
“Passive design strategies that complement high-tech approaches can help create more energy-efficient and sustainable skyscrapers.”
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