MUSEUM OF ART
TAIPAI CITY
Challenge: Carbon Neutral Museum
The sweeping glass canopy follows the path of the sun. Below the canopy a group of photovoltaic collectors generate electricity, and the black tiled surfaces are heated by the sun throughout the day. The warmed air is drawn upward via the chimney effect and is compressed increasing the velocity to turn energy generation turbines. The moving air creates a draw that pulls exhaust air from the building to reduce the energy required for the mechanical systems. Directly below the oculus at the center of the museum is an open-air sculpture garden for suspended mobiles animated by the natural updrafts created by the chimney effect.