Glenn Katz1) Big Idea: Flexibility One of the core ideas of my design will be the concept of flexibility. Traditionally buildings were thought and built to last. Currently, and in the years to come building should be designed to adapt. Through BIM I will try to incorporate not only instructions on how to build the building, but actually to potentially deconstruct the building and re-purpose it in the future based on future needs. Another way to think about this is as a LEGO. I love a phrase from the team that utilized the concept of modularity to build the empire state building that reads “We didn’t build one 102-story building, we built 102 times a one-story building”
2) Resource Efficiency (Rainwater harvesting and filtering system): Another big idea will be the concept of circularity and resource efficiency. Incorporating rain water harvesting systems and dry toilets will foster the correct utilization of resources such as water and human waste. A composte will help minimize the quantity of organic disposal generated. I imagine it as a cascade of water that flows across the building.
3) GOAL: NET ZERO + Additional source of income! Finally a clear goal of the building would be for it be net zero. The incorporation of south-facing solar panels, in addition to an efficient design including a proper insulation, correct placement of windows will minimize the need for HVAC systems. Or even better if we are able to generate enough energy we could sell the energy to the state and create an additional source of income to the family
