Since the station’s platform level is located 21 meters below the ground, SOM opted to save energy on lighting by using skylights in the roof.

The station will be located within the new mixed-use Tanggu District of Tianjin City, to the east of Beijing. The center of SOM‘s design is a latticed roof that appears to flow right into the beautifully manicured greenery of the surrounding park. The special roof was developed to be economical, lightweight and uniquely efficient with parabolic trusses distributing loads evenly across the surface of the building.

Since the station’s platform level is located 21 meters below the ground, SOM opted to save energy on lighting by using skylights in the roof. Made of glass and steel and fitted with louvers, the skylights are angled to limit direct sunlight during summer months (cutting air conditioning energy) and bring in daylight during the winter. In addition to the use of natural light, the station and park incorporate other sustainable strategies such as a ground-source heat pump, thermal chimneys, and bioswales.

+ SOM

2 Comments

lazyreader March 1, 2011 at 7:46 am

Looks more like the eye of a hurricane or Sauron’s eye. Destined to suck away the finances of China’s transportation future.

The country’s existing rail network is currently being used to capacity by freight most of which is coal and by pushing people on it the fuel will have to be carried by less efficient trucks.

http://ti.org/antiplanner/?p=4399
Apostolos February 28, 2011 at 11:00 am

ITS BEAUTIFUL