6.3 MICRO CONTEXT: MUNICH REINSURANCE CENTRE (GAUTENG)
6.3.4 Biophilic Elements
The combination of architectural elements, combined with the overall setting of the environment, gives the building a balance between design and nature. The setting is inviting, welcoming and a relaxing environment to be in.
The orientation, mass, shape of the building and the type of fenestration all have a significant effect on the Biophilic elements discussed on the following pages. The office wing has depths of 13m combined with the atrium which enables the building to achieve effective and sufficient natural lighting and ventilation. The building depth and height was determined by the requirements to obtain effective natural lighting and ventilation.
Figure 107: The images show the importance of orientation, shape and mass in achieving a building that has the ability to enhance the well-being of the building occupants (SA Architect 1999, p. 47).
6.3.4.1 Dynamic Natural Light:
The architects have taken full advantage of a true north / south orientation that makes full use of natural light and offers spectacular views over the landscaped ridge, minimising exposure to the east and west facades. The strategic placement of fenestration type and size as well as the overhangs of the building structure and solar shading methods have been excellently integrated within the building. This has ensured no discomfort in the internal environment from uncontrollable heat and glare. The careful selection of fenestration and solar shading methods has allowed the building to receive as much natural light that is possible without affecting the well-being of the occupants. However, the main element that successfully allows light to flood the building interiors is the strategic placement and form of the roof which is a simple mono pitch. This allows light to penetrate into the building on the south side. South light is diffused and is welcomed in the buildings interiors.
Figure 108 (left): Section illustrating day lighting and solar shading (SA Architect 1999, p. 47).
Figure 109 (right): South side clear storey windows allow an abundance of natural light to flood the interior space (Author 2012).
Figure 110 (left): Northern overhangs and louvers prevent direct sunlight (Author 2012).
6.3.4.2 Natural Ventilation:
The building’s long narrow form allows it to take full advantage of natural ventilation methods. With atriums being centrally located, air is drawn in on the north and is entered on the south side by the south winds. The air then circulates through the office space and the atrium acts as a natural heat exhaust stack which allows the hot air to escape out the roof eaves at the top. The building takes full advantage of natural ventilation ensuring that a constant fresh supply of air is available. Windows along the north and south facades also allow building occupants to control the temperature in the internal environment. Double glazing was also incorporated to avoid excessive heat gains and loss.
6.3.4.3 Water:
It is a disappointment that water has not been incorporated into the internal environment.
However, there are two water features located at the south side of the building which create a sense of peace and tranquillity when approaching and entering the building (figures 113 and 114). The water features which extend throughout the full façade on the south create a buffer from the unwanted noise that could be experienced from Empire Road. The sound of water truly enhances the connection with nature and the spirit of the place. The many benefits of Figure 112: Section illustrating the natural ventilation system that the building takes advantage of.
Blue arrows indicate fresh air into the building and orange arrows represent the warm air that is exhausted from the building through the stack affect (SA Architect 1999, p. 47).
using water in the interior environment should have been incorporated and used to create an environment that is even more enhancing, relaxing and stimulating.
6.3.4.4 Planting:
As one enters the building the flow of nature continues and its presence is felt strongly in the indoors by the two large atriums that are planted with vegetation and flooded with soft natural light. There is always a link to nature and to the surroundings so a person is constantly reminded of this sense of place. This link is important in the working environment as it keeps people calm and allows a healthy building environment which enhances productivity. There is no greater view than that of nature and in this case to be at ease and at one with the surroundings.
Figure 113 (left) and Figure 114 (right): From the time you step out of your car you are immediately met by the fresh smells of nature and the sounds of the water features and instantly there is a sense and feeling of peace and tranquillity before entering the building. As one walks around the site, or views it from the balconies or the many windows which have views out, one feels at peace and at ease within the setting (Author 2012).
Figure 115 (left): One of the two interconnected atriums (Author 2012).
Figure 116 (right): View from staircase looking into an atrium (Author 2012).
The interior environment has a vast amount of vegetation with one or two trees located within the two atriums. Pot plants are further distributed throughout the building to provide a link with nature (figure 117). Indoor planting has numerous benefits on the well-being of building occupants as mentioned earlier on in this document. Through the interviews conducted and research undertaken in this dissertation it may be concluded that the use of plants in the interior environment certainly enhance the well-being of building occupants for a variety of reasons.