Square and Green Tower

Project idea

The exercise constitutes a new vision and interpretation of the intervention area: A urban and landscape requalification through an urban-architectural proposal with the design for the implementation of mixed-use building volumes (e.g. housing, commerce, services and equipment) and definition and qualification of public spaces (squares, streets, gardens...).
Within the intervention area, there must be a proposal for a Green Tower (vertical farm with a research center for the Tagus and the sea) and other mixed-use buildings (services, equipment, residences) for programmatic and formal consolidation of space, along with development of new public spaces.
The intervention area, located in the riverside area of Algés, covers the “Doca de Pedrouços” or “Docapesca block – Ports and Lots”, corresponding to the area of existing dock between the railway line and the Tagus, and the adjacent area to the north.

Project description

The urban area is a redefinition of the existing non active area. The new design has solved the main problems of flooding, traffic and the transportation difficulties. The new design consists of 8 zones namely, Entrance, Towers, Square, Park, Intercultural, Institutional, Sky Arena, Aqua Cultural with special amenities. The Green Tower, a groundbreaking architectural masterpiece that embraces the concept of sustainable living. At its core, the Green Tower is an ode to environmental consciousness. The first step towards promoting sustainability lies in our careful selection of materials, employing eco friendly and recyclable resources wherever possible. The tower's construction will prioritize energy-efficient practices, reducing its carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. Natural lighting will permeate the spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Additionally, smart energy systems and advanced insulation will optimize energy usage and minimize waste.
The ground floor of the Green Tower will host a vibrant shopping mall, offering a diverse range of sustainable products and services. From organic clothing stores to zero-waste outlets, the mall will showcase businesses dedicated to the ethos of environmental responsibility. Moving upward, the following floors will house state-of-the-art office spaces designed to provide a comfortable and sustainable work environment. One of the standout features of the Green Tower is an awe-inspiring auditorium situated on one of the upper floors. Designed with eco-acoustics in mind, the auditorium will be a hub for cultural events, conferences, and
performances that promote sustainability, inspiring and educating the community about the importance of environmental
preservation.
As we ascend higher, the Green Tower introduces an innovative concept-green farms within the building itself. These carefully designed and nurtured vertical gardens will not only provide fresh produce for the tower's occupants but also improve air quality and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space. The farms will incorporate advanced hydroponic
systems, minimizing water usage while maximizing crop yield. Lastly, the Green Tower will feature honey-producing farms on the upper floors. These bee-friendly spaces will facilitate the production of organic honey, further supporting biodiversity and helping to restore declining bee populations.
Our ambition is for the Green Tower to become an architectural icon that encapsulates the harmony between human-made
structures and nature. By integrating shopping malls, office spaces,
an auditorium, green farms, and honey-producing farms, we aim to create a sustainable ecosystem that inspires a new era of green living.

Technical information

The construction of this building is mainly of concrete, glass and aluminium cladding. The cladding which is also the vertical shading device is the most special architectural detail in the project. Vertical sunshades are implemented in the building design to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency. These adjustable sunshades, positioned on the exterior facade, effectively filter sunlight, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. By rotating the louvers, solar heat gained throughout the day is controlled & natural lighting is optimized while minimizing direct sunlight and heat. This helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduces the cooling load on the building. Additionally, carefully adjusted the angle of the sunshades to optimize daylight penetration, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting. By selectively blocking or diffusing sunlight, glare is minimized, creating a pleasant environment for occupants. The sunshades also promote natural ventilation and passive cooling, harnessing breezes while preventing direct sunlight from entering. This design not only saves energy but also adds visual appeal to the building's facade. Through the integration of these rotatable sunshades, an eco-friendly and visually captivating architectural solution is created.
Recycled plastics (HDPE, PET) commonly found in beverage bottles or packaging are been used to to manufacture the vertical sunshades offering an environmentally friendly approach that aligns with sustainability goals and making the green tower more GREENER. These sunshades can be controlled by the users to fold it to any angle between 0 and 90 to avoid strong sunlight, glares, get ventilation etc..

Documentation

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