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EagleEtch® glass was designed from the ground up and manufactured especially for the electronics display industry as a high performance anti-glare solution. The subtractive etching process makes the glass ideal for high resolution applications in adverse conditions which require the best in anti-glare properties, low sparkle, low haze, and improved clarity. EagleEtch® glass is unmatched for tight gloss control, ultra-high resolution, consistency of the etched surface and very low sparkle. Glare can cause undue eyestrain and fatigue. By utilizing an EagleEtch® anti-glare panel in your display, incident light is dispersed allowing the user to focus on the screen rather than the reflected images. Unlike coatings or spray-on solutions, EagleEtch® offers durability in even the harshest environments since it is not a coating and essentially still just pure glass. www.europtecusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/EagleEtch-Datasheet.pdf

Yet another skyscraper surfaces on London’s skyline - “Strata SE1” at Elephant and Castle. Strata SE1 is a 43-story Tower with a height of 147 metres (485 ft) and a five-story Pavilion which features 408 high-quality apartments along with space for shops and restaurants. Strata Towers is the first building in the world to incorporate wind turbines directly into its structure, and is also tallest residential building in central London. It is also dubbed “Razor”, since its structure resembles the shape of electric shaving razor. This architectural landmark is designed by BFLS, formally known as Hamiltons. The Strata Towers is glazed entirely with high performance Low-E architectural glass. Large glass surfaces of the building raise internal building temperatures and promote the “heat island” effect in cities. Floor-to-ceiling windows in each apartment give a breathtaking view of the surroundings and operable windows provide natural daylight to the residents. Energy efficiency measures at the building include using a natural, “whole house” ventilation system (with heat recovery) instead of air-conditioning – a feasible approach given the island nation’s mild climate, which ranges from about 0ºC (32°Fahrenheit) in winter to a balmy 32ºC (89.6° Fahrenheit) in summer. Sustainable features also include heating systems, low energy lighting and 96 percent recycling of construction waste. Wind Turbines The tower avails full advantage of the area’s 35mph of south-west wind speed. Wind turbines use five 30 ft. diameter and 19 kW blades instead of three as in conventional turbines, to minimize noise. Each blade configures to 9 m length and 30 ft. diameter. Four anti-vibration dampeners help alleviate vibrations to the building. Three building-integrated wind turbines in this building generate 8% of the total electricity needs of the building, roughly enough to run the electrical and mechanical services (including three express lifts and automated window-cleaning rigs) as well as the lighting, heating and ventilation of its public spaces, which include an underground car and bicycle park. The turbines are designed to rely on the Venturi effect (the Bernoulli principle as applied to fluid dynamics), which increases wind velocities as a result of a building’s height, shape and adjacent terrain to generate approximately 50MWh of electricity annually.  

Yamuna, the new corporate office of leading global water management solution company Kirloskar Brothers Ltd at Pune, India, stands tall and proud, having just received the prestigious LEED Platinum rating. Yamuna is spread over 3 acres of land and has a capacity of 500 employees. The gamut of energy-efficient features Yamuna is endowed with help it save up to 50% energy and 30% water through the use of solar power, glass panels, eco-friendly cooling systems, CFL fixtures and rainwater harvesting, among several others. Highlighted glass exteriors have given Yamuna a breathtaking outward appearance that befits a modern corporate building. A glass atrium and landscaped terrace with green indoor plantations provide a work-friendly environment and also serve as a place for relaxation.  A large number of glass panels are fitted along the walls, which allow natural light inside the building, thereby saving on electricity. Energy efficient CFLs are used for lighting. The use of ergonomic furniture ensures complete comfort for employees.  A well-stocked café that serves hygienic and nutritious food is another feature of Yamuna. A clinic is present within the facility for emergency medical requirements. Sophisticated fire-fighting equipment is installed within the premises. Other amenities like an auditorium, library, a well equipped gymnasium, badminton court, swimming pool and an amphitheatre allow for employee recreation and networking. Yamuna uses water-cooled VRV air conditioning systems with sensors for monitoring CO2 levels and optimizing intake of fresh air. The structure has photovoltaic panels to generate electricity, which meet 2.6% of power requirements. Other energy efficient gadgets in Yamuna include green LCD monitors. A substantial amount of water requirements are fulfilled by rainwater harvesting. The entire campus is a ‘no smoking’ area.

Coming up in Hangzhou, China is a flower-shaped green sports complex - Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium. This multi-purpose stadium which is under construction is part of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center. Upon completion in 2013, it will host 80,000 spectators at a time and will be the largest sports park in China. It is designed jointly by NBBJ and CCDI. Construction of this Sports Park commenced with a design plan of 400,000 square-meter area on the Qian Tang riverfront. Inspiration for the design for the park and the stadium was drawn from the geometry of the nearby river delta as well as the flora of the nearby lake. The park has a large open space, walking trails, a tennis facility, retail space, community playing fields and of course a massive sports area. The three major components of this flower-shaped stadium are: 1.    An above-grade platform that defines the ‘sports boulevard,’ linking together programs such as the main stadium and tennis tournament facilities. 2.    Ground level, pathways, gardens and plazas form a network of public recreation activities designed for alternative and extreme sports. 3.    A below-grade level consisting of sunken spaces and courtyards including boutique stores, restaurants and a multiplex cinema hall. The most distinct feature of the site is a flawless pedestrian path that intertwines sports and commercial programs, along with creating a clear path of circulation between two planned transportation hubs. The project seeks green building certification, energy and water efficiency, and the use of renewable energy through green building materials. This is a transformational project that redefines sustainable design excellence in sports facilities throughout Asia.

G Tower is the latest in green buildings, incorporating features like massive green walls and refreshing rooftop gardens, located at the crossroads of two major thoroughfares in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This sustainable building received the Green Mark Gold Award from the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore. It has also taken up the position of being Malaysia’s first carbon positive building. The building rings in a new concept by combining offices, a private club and a boutique hotel, all under one roof. The boutique hotel, named G City Club Hotel offers 180 executive rooms, conference rooms, function/board rooms and an infinity pool. The orientation of the building with the sun is very appropriate, and several water-efficient features have been incorporated. Green Features This tower uses 25 percent less energy as compared to other buildings of similar size and location, thanks to efficient air-conditioning and lighting systems. Double glazed glass panels with vacuum in between have been used, which helps cut heat transmission. The extensive landscaping with sky gardens, ponds and green walls help cool the overall environment and improve air quality. The swimming pool is kept clean through the use of eco-friendly cleansing salt rather than chemicals. A sophisticated rain water harvesting system irrigates the plants and vertical greens found throughout the building. Condensed water from the cooling tower is collected for re-use.  Hot water is generated using waste heat from the air-conditioning system. The carpets and external timber decking use green certified recyclable materials. The interior décor includes refurbished furniture. Toxic free building materials, paints and wallpapers are used for their low volatile organic content (VOC). Motion-sensitive lighting helps bring down power costs. G tower saves nearly 7.3 million Kwh of electricity per year, at a ten-hour day, 6 day-week and 52-week year activity period. This is equivalent to a reduction of 3.5 million kgs carbon dioxide emission into the environment, which is same as saving 18000 trees per year.

The glass manufacturing multinational that needs no introduction – Saint-Gobain Glass - recently built a lavishly glazed office structure in Tokyo, Japan. This glass building was designed by Albert Abut, who also designed the Hakuju Concert Hall in Tokyo, MK Seed Centre in Chiba and numerous other architectural masterpieces. The Tokyo office building is built over an area of 3000 m2 and has made ample use of several glass types with different functionalities, predictably from the stable of Saint-Gobain Glass. Both on the outside and the inside, the use of glass caters to requirements of daylighting, luminescence, and heat ingress among others. Constructed using a double-glazed steel/aluminium curtain wall system, this structure is saved greatly from the effects of thermal exchange between the exterior and interior environments. This specially constructed wall also earns this building a reputation for being the first in Japan to consume 30% less energy as compared to conventional office buildings of similar scale. The structure incorporates various products of Saint-Gobain Glass such as Pyroswiss (a fire-rated glass used for the first time on a building facade in Japan) and a non-slip glass that completely covers the bridge floor, and partially the entrance hall floor. The entrance hall, made up of stainless and glass that emits a blue luminescence between 6pm and 11pm, transforms the entire building into a picture-perfect setting every night. Silk screened glass has been used for the south-west/west volume to control the concentration of heat. In contrast, only transparent double glazing is used at the south façade on the main street to allow natural light to flow inside the meeting rooms. The management rooms on the seventh floor are set in a glass cube equipped with vertical and horizontal electrical blind systems. From pale green to complete transparency or darkness - all effects of light and colour have been derived from the intelligent use of glass. The ‘Master Ray’ type of glass is used generously throughout the building partitioning, sometimes with a thin layer of silver coating on its back to give a metallic look to the glass. The same pattern is used for the original white silk screen pattern on the facades. Sensors installed along the building façade regulate the lighting as well as luminosity inside the building as per the time of the day, for a comfortable as well as eco-friendly internal environment.

TODAY’S ARCHITECTS and CLIENTS Architect is not only a combination of art and science but it should be the combination of Art, Science, Scale, Balance, Luxury, Aesthetic, Creativity, Style, Function and Privacy. Architect is like a poet who thinks and speaks in terms of construction. The true work of the Architect is to organize, intergrades and glorify utility. Good planning, sound construction and pleasing appearance are the principle of architect. Architects are born, God gifted and not made. People these days spend in millions on their structure but unfortunately our mostly Architects are not capable to fulfill the satisfaction of the users, except few. We Indians are the generation of Architects who have created world class structures just few centuries ago. The history represent the creativity of them even today but their generation have not a fraction of that sense to create aesthetic, luxury, comfort, style, pleasant and symmetry in their architecture where as you have full support of science , art, advanced modern technology and materials, except few. If you survey today’s structures it is very sad that many Architects have failed to provide for what they are. The structures are lack of pleasing, privacy, function, rydham, comfort, proportion. scale, balance, Harmon, and aesthetic scenes. The design look like a freehand drawing without the principle, proportion and lack of basic demands of mankind. Under the name of Modern architect they are serving you a Modern Art which is beyond the imagination of a common man. Architecture is not just line work, it is full of vision. Sense , demands, comfort, pleasant, luxury, style and status. Today most structures are function less, quality less and without privacy. Many users have to travel through the rooms disturbing the privacy of the others. Sometimes even through the kitchen too. Stairs and steps are not comfortable to users. The kitchen is not planned considering the human factors where as a lady have to spend major time in kitchen in uncomfortable condition. The toilets are congested in dimension and lack of facilities which is uncomfortable to users. Were as its purpose itself is for relax and comfort. All these elements are inconvenience and stress producing to the users and Architects making the user’s task difficult instead of comfort. Beauty in the structure can be achieved in economically by applying aesthetic sense and combination of proper materials, quality finishes and classical effects, as an artist can change the picture by drawing a single line or dot at the proper place. To days Architects are so lucky, they have a tools of Auto Cad and Internet to come in touch with the world. Architect should not be commercial only. They should work for fame, beauty and comfort of mankind. I am not talking about the individual Architect only but like big organizations like Cidco, Hudco and the Government departments which have lack of pleasing, engineering, proper design and far away from quality concept. Structures are from lack of knowledge and experience by the designer. There is no beauty concept in their design and lack of amenities. Not only buildings and gardens but roads, bridges, dams, hospitals, stadiums should be pleasing and beauty. Any structure whether private or Government should be look like engineered and aesthetically pleasant. To provide pleasant, economical design and space utilization is the responsibility of professional Architect and not the client. Of course client wants elegant and better design than others. Many times clients have no faith in Architect, so they destroy their structure by consulting their unprofessional friends, relatives. In such a situation clients should consult only professionals, just to avoid loss of millions and patient. Many client use the Architect for permission purpose only and relied on experience masons/contractors who cause them huge loss. Of course Architect is a better option than mason. Don’t compromise in reducing the cost of project by avoiding the supervising architect for the execution of project too. I think in America and developed countries, the clients may get their design cross check by appointing other Architects and get their project executed under the professional supervising authority only. It does not mean that they have no faith in their first architect but they may believe that the 2nd opinions always better option and a Architect is a human being and can commit the mistake which will cause them panic and loss and they have to pay for that. America and developed countries are so developed because they used professionals in their project from initial to last. And not compromise in initial investment, hence they are so developed and produced beautiful, elegant structures. I may not be a perfect designer but I strive for comfort, luxury, style, function, privacy, economy and status. As I came close to different national people and their style in foreign countries for 20 years, I always work for comfort, pleasant, style, luxury of mankind and fame. I have a great experience of classical luxury structures and combinations of classical with modern feature base on European and American style.  

0-14 Tower Constructed in the heart of Dubai’s Business Bay, 0-14 Tower is a twenty-two-storey tall commercial tower standing on a two-storey podium. Designed by Architects Jesse Reiser and Nanoko Umemoto of RUR Architecture, in collaboration with developer Shahab Lutfi, this tower stands out for both its height and area covered – a sizeable 30,000 sq.ft. The façade of this tower consists of a doubly skinned envelope which contains 1,000 circular openings in the 40c thick concrete outermost skin. These circular openings on the facade serve as a solar screen, letting in light, air, and visibility into the interior occupants. The openings on the shell are modulated depending on structural requirements, views, sun exposure and luminosity. The façade also serves as a structural exoskeleton, absorbing all of the tower’s lateral forces and acting as a physical barrier for the building’s window wall. The concrete shell creates highly efficient, column-free open spaces in the buildings interior. A space nearly one meter deep between the shell and the glazing creates a 'chimney effect,' a phenomenon whereby hot air has room to rise and effectively cools the surface of the window wall behind the perforated shell. This passive solar technique essentially contributes to a natural component to the cooling system for O-14, thus reducing energy consumption by 30%, just one of many innovative aspects of the building's design. Dynamic Towers Dynamic Towers – world’s first building in motion will also be the first skyscraper constructed from prefabricated units in Dubai. This 80-storyed dynamic tower is designed by Italian architect David Fisher with 420 meters height. The apartments will be able to spin 360 degrees, giving the tower a different look every time. Each floor will be able to move at different speeds and in different directions independently would combine the Emirate’s lavish tendencies and Dubai’s architectural superiority with new eco-friendly technology. This tower is designed in such a way that it can power itself and also for the other five smaller buildings in its surroundings. This dynamic skyscraper is occupied for various purposes as 1st-20th floors by offices, 21st – 35th floors by luxuries hotels, 36th – 70th by residential condominiums and finally 71st – 80th floors are in use by luxuries villas. The entire tower will receive its power generated from 79 wind turbines and solar panels. The turbines will be located between each of the rotating floors. Each turbine has the peak ability to produce around 0.2 megawatt hours of electricity and it estimated to produce around 1,200,000 kilowatt-hours of energy per year. The system is not only meant to create enough energy to power to the entire tower but still have juice to spare for five other similar sized buildings in the vicinity. The solar panels will be located on the roof and the top of each floor. The cells will be 15% open to the sun’s rays on all 80 floors for the full day helping to power the building.

A quarter established for medical treatment of illnesses, a hospital setting calls for an environment of comfort, health and warmth. And Meyer Hospital, a paediatric hospital in Florence, Italy is furnishing its patients with all of this and much more. Recently, this hospital upgraded a wing to a “green” and “sustainable” one, the intent being to provide an environment conducive to recovery whilst consuming minimum energy and natural resources. Meyer Hospital houses 3 wings. The east wing hosts the university and research unit; the west wing, the outpatient facilities; and a central block houses the administrative department. The main entrance of the hospital leads to a glazed passageway to a ‘healing garden’, which further leads to the spacious upper atrium. The upper atrium features a play area for children that open towards a green roof. The upper glass of the atrium is embedded with solar electric panels to generate energy and offset glare. The glass roof is installed with 47 solar tubes, which permits natural light to enter the building. These tubes lend an appearance of several ‘Pinocchio Hats’ lining the roof of the building. The green roof acts as an insulation cover, lowering the temperature inside the hospital greatly.  The building’s walls are covered with 6 cm of  thermally insulating materials. This is expected to reduce 12% of the energy used annually for heating. Wooden-frame windows are incorporated in the building. Patient rooms are protected from direct sunlight by an overhanging sunshade. To reduce the visual impact of the building in the park, the shading system is covered externally with copper-plates and internally with wood. Two high-efficiency condensing gas boilers and radiant floor panels have been installed for supply space heating. Radiant floors help reach a thermal comfort level at a low cost. Two electrical chillers have been installed for cooling purposes. A third chiller is also installed, which generates heat for domestic hot water. Greenhouse A bio-climatic entrance hall called the ‘Serra’ (greenhouse) which has been built surrounding the hospital building acts as the public face of the hospital. This curved triple-height space, attached to the central wing of the villa, is an innovative and sustainable atrium. This greenhouse is shaded by internal white blinds adjustable through an automatic control system. A 31 kWp of glass/glass Photovoltaic system installed at the greenhouse provides the opportunity of combining energy production with other functions of the building envelope such as shading, weather shielding and heat production.

The Energy and the Resource Institute (TERI), established in 1974, is a global organisation that addresses environmental issues in the fields of energy and sustainable development. Their focus is on healthy and sustainable development through the advocating of the concept of green buildings. As a manifestation of its dedication to the cause of sustainability, TERI has constructed eco-friendly buildings in several locations, including Gurgaon, Bangalore and Mukteshwar. TERI has also introduced GRIHA, a rating system to adjudge the 'greenness' of buildings, in order to popularize this initiative. The TERI buildings Southern Regional Centre, Bangalore Himalayan Centre, Mukteshwar RETREAT (Resource Efficient TERI Retreat for Environmental Awareness and Training), Gurgaon 1. Southern Regional Centre The Southern Regional Centre of TERI is an office-cum-guest house is in Dolmur, Bangalore, India. This is a set of buildings that host an office block with a capacity of 75 workstations, a small guest house and several interaction spaces, such as conference rooms, a library and laboratories. The design of this building is dictated by the landscape surrounding it. It is flanked by roads in the north and the east, an open ground in the west and a 9 m open drain in the south. As a result, entry to the building is from the road on the northern side, which is not as busy as the one on the east. The office block is towards the east, close to the main road for high visibility and the guest house is located on the quieter western side. An open space exists between the office and the guest house. The architectural design of the building lies of the natural forces such as wind, fire, earth and water. It opens towards the northern side facilitating access to glare-free light. A solar wall towards the south (drain side) of the building directs the flow of the breeze over the building, which, in turn, creates a negative pressure and pulls fresh air from the north into the building. Natural ventilation Building is designed in such a way to allow hot air to rise towards the top. Natural ventilation occurs with the air flowing from the ground floor to the terrace because of the open nature of the volumes. Lighting Atrium spaces with skylights, sections of the Centre are designed to permit the natural daylight enters into the heart of the building. This considerably reduces the dependence on artificial lighting. And this is supplemented by a skylight roof and energy-efficient artificial lighting. Water heating system A solar water heating system is installed to meet the hot water requirements of the kitchen and the guest rooms. In addition to basic filtration and aeration, it has been proposed that certain impurity-absorbing plants be planted in the vicinity of the drain, improving its condition in terms of sanitation and aesthetics. Investing in such a long term, yet permanent solution is necessary if the building is to eventually open towards the drain as well. 2. Himalayan Centre Himalayan Centre of Teri is located in Mukteshwar, India. As the Himalayan centre is 2300 metres high above the sea level, it is shining as a place of refreshment. Yes, this green building is ideally designed for purposes of repose and research. This centre consists of the residential wing, state-of-art conference hall, meeting area, rest rooms and internet facility. The architecture of the building reflects the local style. Practical considerations of locale and availability of resources also determined its design. Trees are planted on the northern side of the building to provide a buffer against cold winds. Fibreglass panels in the ceilings and walls act as insulators, preserving heat and improving acoustics. Lightings The general orientation of the building is south-east, ensuring that all major openings are in line with the sun. This positioning allows for optimal use of daylight for purposes of lighting as well as heating. Furthermore, each suite comes attached with unique solar passive features known as ‘sun-spaces’. These enhance heat gain by day and emit it by night, when it is required. Planned corridors in front of the habitable spaces minimize the glare of the sunlight, while trapping solar radiation to be emitted at night. Solar panels Photovoltaic solar panels have been integrated into the roof of the utility building and conference hall to meet a portion of the electrical requirements. An effective solar water heating system is in place to meet the hot water requirements of the building’s inhabitants. In the absence of sufficient sunlight, battery banks provide a power back-up of three days. Water management This area faces a severe shortage of potable water, despite of the ample rainfall. Thus twin-chambered water tanks are deployed in the harvesting and subsequent filtering of rainwater for human consumption. The Himalayan Centre was designed with the basic purpose of disseminating relevant technological information at the grassroots level. A purpose it adequately fulfills by training farmers and villagers as to the latest techniques in agriculture. It is proposed that the water harvesting system used here be popularized amongst the locals in order to facilitate the conservation of the precious resource of water. 3. RETREAT Resource Efficient TERI Retreat for Environmental Awareness and Training is part of the 36-hectare Gual Pahari campus of TERI. This is located about 30km south of Delhi, in the state of Haryana. Once a degraded wasteland, it is now an epitome of green practices and sustainability. Read more about  RETREAT…..