paolo venturella parametrically flexes energy efficient tower

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.

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.

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

at the ground level, the design fits within the manhattan grid

site plan

formal diagrams

tower section

project info:

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

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