The urban forest is essentially a large-scale intensive green roof that helps to reduce the building’s heating and cooling needs while preventing excess stormwater runoff. Additionally, the building features a greywater retention system, using rainwater for non-drinking applications. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which occupies 16 floors of the tower, decided to reuse and refurbish much of its existing furniture before moving into the new facility in late 2011.
One of the most interesting aspects of the building is the way in which desks are shared. “You make a reservation, just like a hotel,” explains project leader Mary McGrath, who led the tour. “If I knew I was coming to the office today, I’d book my desk, reserve a seat, come in and check in.” According to McGrath, everyone who works in the building uses the hotel desk system. “Some of them are our partners, and obviously it’s difficult for them to get over the concept of not owning an office. They are long-term; they own the office, but they check out of it when they’re going to be gone for a day, so we can have access to that seat, that phone, and that data jack if the hotel is ever full.”
KPMB Architects designed the 26-story tower, and it is expected to earn LEED Gold certification. The smart building is equipped with photo and occupancy sensors that enable the building to reduce energy use through daylighting and conservation by up to 40 percent. It also features a deep lake water cooling system. The tower is located just one block away from Union Station and it contains bike racks for more than 100 bicycles in the underground parking lot.
Lead image via PwC; all others © Mark Andrew Boyer for Inhabitat
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