Excerpt: 159 West by Architecture_Interspace is a project featuring a noteworthy climate-responsive facade with an intricate, three-dimensional design. The facade is designed to adapt to the local climate, ensuring maximum energy efficiency and occupant comfort throughout the year. The building’s outermost layer features a shading system inspired by origami, with varying apertures for optimal sunlight control.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] The site is located on the intersection of primary arterial roads in Pondicherry. It is abutted by retail and office buildings on either side. The site faces the West hence careful design considerations were to be made to allow the natural light but block the heat from the sun. The principal intent was to design a façade that catches the vehicular and pedestrians’ attention and thereby creating an identity for the building.
The building by laws allow the designers to build up to four floors. The building houses primarily office space. A circulation core i.e., a staircase and lift connect the users across multiple floors. A service core with toilers and amenities run in parallel to the circulation core.
Space for parking is provided in the basement. The primary vantage point for the users and vehicular traffic is the West Façade. Glass panels are provided for the office space to maintain the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
The climate-responsive facade of this building is a noteworthy feature. The facade is engineered to adapt to the local climate, ensuring maximum energy efficiency and occupant comfort throughout the year. The façade features a striking panel wall that is adorned with an intricate, three-dimensional design and is made up of multiple layers, each with a specific function. The outermost layer is a shading system that controls the amount of sunlight that enters the building. These panels are inspired from the traditional craft ‘Origami’ – the art of folding paper. Each panel has a different degree of aperture.
The aperture of these panels varies from 15 degrees to 45 degrees. The larger the degree of aperture, the more the light it allows and vice versa. The panels are finished in metallic copper paint. The façade looks dynamic with the constant change in sunlight and shadow thereby seeking the attention of passers-by. Additionally, these panels system helps to reduce the amount of glare and heat gain, creating a pleasant working environment.
The second layer of the facade is the glass panels. It cuts down the outside heat and the highway noise. The facade provides a comfortable and healthy indoor environment while minimizing the building’s impact on the environment.
The office spaces are thoughtfully designed with an emphasis on functionality and comfort. The layout of the offices allows for maximum natural light to flow through, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, providing all the necessary amenities for modern businesses to thrive.
The minimalist design creates a sense of sophistication and elegance that is both timeless and contemporary. The structure is a perfect blend of form and function, with each element serving a purpose while also adding to the overall aesthetic of the building.
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