Being Sustainable through Architecture

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BEING SUSTAINABLE THROUGH ARCHITECTURE

Monkeypod Tree

The environment created by the monkeypod tree's features inspired the features of the exhibit galleries, bookstore, classroom, and ticketing booth which all have curved roofs, resembling the monkeypod canopy. The arrangement of the small-scale buildings channel the breeze and increase shade, representing the reliance of natural ventilation similar to the tree.

1. The Pearl Harbor Memorial

The Pearl Harbor Memorial in Hawai'i honors the crew members who lost their lives during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Imperial Navy. This memorial serves as a location to honor, learn, and recognize the complete destruction that occurred here. The many buildings and designs that serve as educational exhibits and remembrance have been created to incorporate a variety of environmentally sustainable features to ensure low environmental impact with the amount of visitors this location attracts. The monkeypod tree has inspired many parts of the site's design.

"Green" Features

Natural Ventilation

Many of the buildings in the area are open to the outdoor climate and trade winds are responsible for cooling the different rooms down. These features also play a role in keeping a comfortable temperature while conserving energy:

large roofs which prevents the inside of the buildings from being hit with direct sun
smaller buildings which take advantage of air flow
elements of landscaping which increase shade

Automatic Lights

The lights in the facilities automatically turn on when motion is detected to limit the amount of time the lights are on. In certain offices and centers, the lights can be utilized to run on very low, energy efficient levels.

Natural Daylight

All of the restrooms utilize skylights to brighten the indoor areas without requiring many electric lights. This provides better and more natural light than just using electric lights.

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Water Conservation

High-efficient water fixtures are used across the campus for potable water conservation. These water fixtures are estimated to save 800,000 gallons of water per year.

Front View of Museum of Tomorrow

The museum utilizes the resources around its location such as the Guanabara Bay and the position of the sun to help power the building. Estimates show that the museum takes about 10% of its energy from the sun. This shows how buildings can be sustainable as well as functional. This museum has generated a lot of tourist attraction which helps fund some of the poorest neighborhoods in the area.

2. Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil serves as a regeneration project created for the 2016 summer Olympics. Architect Santiago Calatrava aimed to strengthen the cultural and international identity of the city with the creation of this museum. This museum symbolizes the urbanization of the port area of Rio de Janeiro and was very important in showcasing the city's modernization during the Olympics. Science plays a large role in the exhibits found here as it ties together the importance of sustainable cities and an ecological world. The exhibits showcase different clips of melting glaciers and burning forests to bring awareness to global worming.

"Green" Features

Sensor Lights & Sounds

The lights and any sounds in the facilities automatically turn on when motion is detected to limit the amount of electricity being utilized as well as showing how humans affect the world around them. This makes the exhibits even more interactive for the viewers.

Cooling System

The museum's cooling system utilizes the water from the Guanabara Bay to regulate the temperature inside the building.

Solar Power

Solar spines on the roof of the building shift with the movement of the sun to accumulate a large amount of solar energy to help power different utilities throughout this location.