Regnum Tower for Istanbul Features "BioClimatic Architecture"  

Green Building of the week from Inhabitat is this tower planned for Istanbul - July 8, 2009
Regnum Tower for Istanbul Features BioClimatic Architecture.

Steeped in centuries old architectural gems, Istanbul has historically been considered the ornate centerpiece of Turkey. Today, Istanbul has become a focus for investors and talented international architects alike, both hoping to take advantage of the inevitable emergence of this ancient city into a full-fledged global metropolis. One such design is Park Associati’s Regnum Tower, which caught our attention for its bioclimatic architecture, beautiful sculptural design, and the rigor to which it was planned to meet the highest standards of sustainability. And did we mention the views?

Foregoing an over-imposing block construction, Italian based firm Park Associati formed Regnum Tower into three distinct components around a single transparent volume, creating a winding figure and a continuously changing façade. The internal plan has divided the building into five five-floor sections, each with an open-level common area containing bioclimatic glasshouses.

The green filled glasshouses will provide shade and cross ventilation, cooling both the building and its occupants. A definite plus for those hot and humid Istanbul summer days! The orientation of the building will also prove beneficial in collecting winter warmth, with southeast to southwest windows capturing some heating energy on sunnier days.