WSP is a multinational architecture, engineering, and design consulting firm headquartered in Montreal, Canada. WSP Architects provides innovative and sustainable design solutions across various sectors, including commercial, residential, healthcare, education, transportation, and urban design.WSP Architects is committed to sustainable design and has a reputation for delivering environmentally responsible and economically viable projects. The firm has won numerous awards for design work.
Energy Dream Center Seoul
The Energy Dream Center Seoul project was designed by WSP Architects and completed in 2021. The centre is located in Seoul, South Korea, a research and education facility focused on renewable energy technologies and sustainability. The centre features a range of sustainable design features.
Holistic Approach
Realising such a cooperative project in Korea presented particular challenges. “In Germany and South Korea, the planning and construction processes function in various ways. Both countries also have entirely different strategies for using resources and energy,” says Wienold. It took several years to develop the final concept using a holistic approach. The process resulted in the best possible combination of design concepts and technological solutions. The project partners carried out comprehensive building simulations to determine the thermal and daylight building performance.
Architectural Concept
The architecture concept used is based on a square ground plan. The building structure extends upwards and outwards conically at a 45-degree rotation and is topped off the square roof. To give the effect of wings, they mounted wedge-shaped roof projections along with the façade. They provide protrusions shield and solar protection for entrance and window glazing. The piles are mounted on a reinforced concrete base plate to support the building.
Design style
The design style of the Center is modern and contemporary, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency. The building is futuristic because of its geometric shapes and clean lines. Photovoltaic panels on the façade and rooftop add a unique and innovative element. The exterior of the building incorporates natural materials like stone, which lend a sense of warmth and connection to the natural environment.
The interior of the building features an open and airy design with ample natural light which creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. To create a sense of harmony and balance with the surrounding environment, they use natural materials, such as wood and stone, which continue in the interior space.
Construction Techniques:
The construction of the building utilizes a variety of sustainable construction techniques, including the use of recycled and locally available materials. To minimise energy waste, the construction process
has various energy-efficient practices, such as using low-energy lighting and insulation materials. The entire concept covering the energy and the technical aspects is customised for the comfort of the building according to the climate and technical boundary conditions of south Korea. The heating and cooling energy consumption of this building is 70% less when compared to the other standard consumption of buildings in South Korea by applying the ventilation system, which controls both heat in winter and controlled humidity and cooling in summer. The efficient building services are mainly based on earth probes, which provide radiant cooling systems with cold in summer and which serve as a heat source for the heat pump throughout the year. The ventilation systems are added with two-step heat recovery and evaporate cooling, and a turbo compression chiller for dehumidification is installed.
Innovative Elements
Photovoltaic panels: Photovoltaic panels are used to generate electricity from sunlight that covers the rooftop and the building façade. This renewable source helps to power the building’s lighting, heating, and cooling system, reducing its reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Rainwater Harvesting System: The building features a rainwater harvesting system that collects and recycles rainwater for use in the building plumbing system. This system helps to reduce building water consumption and reliance on municipal water supplies.
Interactive Exhibits: The building includes a range of interactive exhibits and activities that educate visitors on renewable energy technologies and sustainable living and help to inspire visitors to think more critically about their impact on the environment, and encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives.
Advance Insulation Materials: The building incorporates advanced insulation materials that help to reduce energy conception and waste. This includes using high-performance glass and insulation materials to minimise heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
Conclusion:
The Energy Dream Center Seoul is an impressive example of sustainable architecture and design and a shining example of WSP Architects’ expertise and commitment to responsible architecture. This building helps to reduce its environmental impact and demonstrates the possibilities of sustainable living. The Energy Dream Center serves as an educational and research facility, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about renewable energy technologies and sustainable living through its interactive exhibits and hands-on activities; the building inspires visitors to think more critically about their impact on the environment and encourages them to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives.
References:
https://www.wsp.com/en-kr/projects/energy-dream-center-seoul
https://www.bau.fraunhofer.de/en/fieldsofresearch/smartbuilding/seoul-energy-dream-center.html
https://www.goethe.de/prj/zei/en/nac/22040252.html
https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en/business-areas/energy-efficient-buildings/building-systems-technology.html
https://www.mdpi.com/52992
https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en/research-projects/seoul-energy-dream-center.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNiwGCea0t4
