paolo venturella parametrically flexes energy efficient tower
all images courtesy of paolo venturella

 

 

 

with the population of new york city constantly on the rise, paolo venturella believes that its citizens expect an advanced classification of architecture to arise in retaliation. even if carbon emissions have to be reduced, the use of energy still increases. on his journey to find a solution, the italian architect has developed ‘flex tower.’ the typology proposes the utilization of photovoltaic panels in a controlled manner to prevent a mass dispersement of the system throughout the metropolis. thus, each one must be tilted and rotated specifically in relation to the sun and relative to where it resides along the façade of the building.

paolo venturella energy efficient tower
view of the design from the street

 

 

 

at the ground level, the design respects the manhattan’s grid, while the higher levels rotate towards the sun, allowing the panels to displace accordingly. the overall rotation and flex of the skyscraper results in an appropriate 30-degree angle facing the sun. simultaneously, the diagrid decorating the exterior surfaces works as a structural and performative skin of stainless steel. this envelope uses an organization of different modules that change the density of the photovoltaic cells and creates open floor plans free of any supporting elements.

paolo venturella energy efficient tower
as the tower is observed from top to bottom, its exterior surface changes in density

paolo venturella energy efficient tower
at the ground level, the design fits within the manhattan grid

paolo venturella energy efficient tower
site plan

paolo venturella parametrically flexes energy efficient tower
formal diagrams

paolo venturella parametrically flexes energy efficient tower
tower section

 

 

project info:

architect: paolo venturella
design team: cosimo scotucci
location: new york city
year: 2014
type: competition 

 

 

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