siemens: the crystal a sustainable cities initiative

the crystal by siemens, london all images courtesy of siemens

‘the crystal‘, a sustainable cities initiative by global technology company siemens is opening in london, introducing the world’s largest exhibition about urban sustainability. the learning and discovery center will bring together city decision-makers, politicians, urban planners, architects and infrastructure experts as well as international visitors, community members, young school children through post-graduates into a single location and teach about how we currently live in cities and ways to make them more attractive in terms of environmental balance, economy and quality of life. this is of current importance due to some urban populations having a higher number of occupants than countries such as austria, chile and israel. the number of people residing within city centers are cumulatively growing at a rate of 1 million individuals each week.

solar panels and ground source heat pumps power the structures electricity needs, eliminating the burning of fossil fuels the building is expected to use 83kWh/square meter each year, an average which demonstrates 50% less energy usage than comparable office buildings. all rainwater is harvested and recycled or reused within the interior.

video mapping on the facade of the crystal courtesy of the crystal

exterior view of the crystal

entry approach

angular facade

upward view of facade

exhibit

exhibit space

interactive displays

infographic 1. state of the art building management 2. extensive use of natural light 3. low energy mixed mode ventilation 4. intelligent all electric building 5. rainwater harvesting and recycling 6. black water recycling 7. heating designed for maximum efficiency 8. multifaceted and sustainable landscaping