Eco Factor: Conceptual proposal for a visitor center powered by renewable energy.
Eco-minded designer Michael Jantzen has come up with yet another sustainable proposal, for a large visitor center that is designed to be powered by renewable energy harnessed by a 1.5MW wind turbine. The basic design of the Wind Farm Celebration Center was inspired by a symbolic visualization of the electrical energy being generated by the wind as it flows from the top of the turbine down into the power grid.
The form of the structure consists of 11 concentric layers flowing out and down from the perimeter of the central tower that supports the wind turbine. Nine of these layers form the roof of the structure, and two of the layers continue the flow into the landscape, where they also function as a large exterior gathering place for special events.
Under the roof of the visitors’ center, there is a large open area designed for the installation of many permanent and or temporary displays, as well as space for offices, meeting rooms, etc. The open spaces reduce the energy demand of the building by allowing natural light and ventilation to filter through.
The leading edge of each of the layers of the ceiling inside of the visitors center are fitted with LED lights that are illuminated in sequence from the top down based on the amount of power that is being generated in real time by the wind turbine. If no power is being generated, none of the lights are activated. As more power is generated, more of the layers are illuminated.
The central support tower for the wind turbine (surrounded by the skylight) is exposed at the center of the Wind Farm Celebration Center. There is a doorway at the base of the tower through which visitors can enter and climb a spiral staircase to an observation platform located just below the rotating blades of the wind turbine.
This observation platform allows the visitors to establish a close proximity with the massive scale and power of the wind turbine, as well as providing them with a high vantage point from which to view the entire wind farm.
Thanks: [Michael Jantzen]
