Sebastian Claussnitzer

SUNTOWER* *form follows sun

The SUNTOWER* is a new research oriented building concept for the RWTH Aachen Campus Seffent / Melaten. The base of the skyscraper, which is covered with plants from the outside, serves as a multi-functional entrance hall that easily hosts exhibitions, events, seminars, and small conventions. The shear walls with built-in cabinets divide the entrance hall. Their doors serve as exhibition space and partition. Therefore, the foyer can easily adapt to different needs. In the tower, you find office space as well as a two-story RWTH Sky-cafeteria and a wind-shaded roof terrace.
Can architectural design be calculated ? Is it possible to reverse the design process ?
The concept of the SUNTOWER* deals with those principle questions of architecture.
The general shape of the tower as well as the facade were developed through parametric design to create a new approach toward energy efficient architecture. The shape of the tower is determined by the parameters of the sun and respectively by the expected heating and cooling loads of the building. Especially for this project a computerscript was written to connect the building analysis software Ecotect with the parametric design software Grasshopper. In a multilevel procedure the shape of the tower and the slope of each element of the facade were calculated for its specific location – the town of Aachen. The algorithm maximizes the shares of the facade that have a low energy consumption. At the same time those shares of the facade that have a high energy consumption are minimized. The algorithm creates a facade that reacts to the different solar altitudes and generates low solar gains through geometric shading during the summer while maximizing solar gains during the winter.
The concept of the SUNTOWER* adds a new perspective to energy efficient architecture and establishes new standards for the research oriented RWTH Campus Seffent /Melaten through its innovative concept for future oriented architecture.

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