Essay

Sustainable Systems Working Together as a Whole

Light, water, temperature, air quality and renewable resources typically come to mind when talking about sustainable design, and to see these innovative green building issues tackled in one building project is wonderful.

In this article I am calling particular attention to the LEED Platinum rated Genzyme Center located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Within this building project designed by Behnisch, Behnisch & Partner, sustainable systems work to create not only an energy-efficient environment, but also a healthier workplace for the approximate 900 employees who work there.

As you will see in the online virtual tour (at the end of this article), key building features include heliostats, an intricate prismatic chandelier and reflective ceiling panels that all contribute to providing interior spaces with abundant natural light. In addition, converging building systems serve to control airflow, prismatic louvers, operable windows, water sensors, automated perforated blinds and a loggia.

All in all, the Genzyme Center serves as a leading example of how you, as an architect, can integrate many sustainable building systems to work together within one building.

Harness Control to Yield Comfort

Giving individual employees control over things like lighting and temperature within their office spaces really helps to improve not only their individual environment, but ultimately the overall Genzyme corporate culture as well.

Control of one’s own comfort is critical in office building designs that intend to foster creativity, productivity and collaboration. Also, incorporating variety by fusing systems that can change and adjust over time to variables like outside weather, group gatherings or even daily lunch preferences can go a long way to boosting moral and productivity.

Image Credit: © johndisalvo | Flickr