Bazsux: Walk to work at this eco-friendly office tower in India

2021. szeptember 1., szerda

Walk to work at this eco-friendly office tower in India

Commuting got you down? New Delhi-based architectural practice Design Forum International (DFI) takes traffic jams out of the morning routine with a plan for a “walk to work” office tower dubbed Amtron. Proposed for development in Bongora’s Tech City in Assam, India, the project blends pedestrian-friendly design with sustainability features.

A rendering of an office tower with green terraces and a cantilevered orange roof. A stairwell-like cut-out runs along the middle of the building.

In an attempt to move away from what DFI describes as “the conventional closed work environment,” the design incorporates a landscaped plaza and co-working spaces to foster an open atmosphere. Meanwhile, drop-off and pick-up points at opposite ends of the building prevent traffic jams. This combination of easy movement and an open environment helps the tower achieve DFI’s pedestrian-friendly goal.

A streetview of a plaza in front of the tower.

Speaking on the inspiration behind this design, a statement from DFI explains, “In accordance with DFI’s ethos of people-first design, [Amtron] is an experience that promotes meaningful interactions and pauses that awes, inspires and stays in the memory of its users.”

A streetview of a pick-up/drop-off area in front of the tower.

Sustainability features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting and green terraces show that this project keeps the environment in mind. In addition to mutual shading and sun-tracking louvers that minimize heat gain and reduce the need for artificial air conditioning, solar-reflective glazing helps regulate temperature while still allowing in natural light. Solar panels on the roof help address the tower’s energy needs. To address water needs, harvested rainwater and recycled wastewater fuel a drip-irrigation system for the landscaping full of native, climate-adaptive vegetation. Green terraces on the facade round out Amtron’s sustainable features and help prevent the heat island effect.

A rendering of a stairwell-like cut-out running along the middle of the building.

As for the project’s material palette, DFI wanted to balance the modern and traditional. A reinforced cement concrete (RCC) core supports the tower, while recycled wood panels used for roofing and ceilings help “infuse regional identity.” For the cladding, zinc and aluminum protect the structure from weathering.

A rendering of white figures socializing on a terrace on the side of the tower.