Solar gain is always a pressing issue with office towers and difficult
to reduce. The form of this skyscraper is designed to shield glass
from the sun while increasing exposure to the integrated solar panels.
The tilt of the building also assists in helping shade critical
glass exposure to the Southern sun - which in Los Angeles is very
prevalent.
The structural elements are like any typical tower building thus
creating economies of construction and leasable floor area.
The benefit of solar collection is that annual utility costs are
minimized which - combined with reduced solar gain - further helps
with annual energy efficiencies.
Human comfort is maximized by conveying natural light through solar
tubes to the inner core of the building. These solar tubes are located
in the interstitial mechanical cores which also contain the solar
collectors and energy storage equipment.
By locating mechanical functions on independent layers of the building
this separates functions and allows even more free use of the occupied
floor levels.
It is anticipated that the building owner would also act as utility
management to maintain close control on consumption and efficiency.