CHAPTER 1

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies

https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.003-001

Tabata Genovese Shinoda1 and Célia Regina Moretti Meirelles2

ABSTRACT
Over the past few decades, the concern for sustainability as a crucial component in construction has grown, as
has the discussion surrounding its integration into the sector, with the purpose of achieving higher qualitative
and beneficial efficiency and user experience. In the architectural field, there is a great interest in improving
studies of ecological solutions that reinvent building techniques, materiality and the application of energy
sources. In this research, the primary methodology employed is the case study approach, centered around the
building known as The Crystal, located in London, United Kingdom. Presently, the building serves as the City
Hall. In this context, the research objective is to analyze the connection between the local climate and the
primary sustainable and technological strategies applied to the project. This analysis is carried out through
digital simulations, physical models, and critical analyses. The building was designed by Siemens as a part of
the “London Sustainable Cities” program and has received recognition for its energy efficiency measures and
the application of bioclimatic architecture from the beginning of its construction. This building embodies a
number of sustainable development principles, including the use of geothermal heat pumps for its bioclimatic
systems, renewable energy sources, the effective application of natural ventilation and highly effective
materials for thermal and acoustic comfort, which, in short, convert this project into a reference within the
theme of sustainability and will be studied and detailed within this research.

Keywords: The Crystal, Sustainable Strategies, Bioclimatic Architecture.

1
Occupation: Student of Architecture and Urbanism at Mackenzie Presbyterian University.
Highest education level: High School
Academic institution: Colégio Cidade de Itu – Anglo.
E-mail: [email protected]
2
Highest degree of training: Professor
Academic institution: Mackenzie Presbyterian University
E-mail: [email protected]

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
INTRODUCTION
Over the years, the world has experienced disasters and catastrophes as a result of rising
temperatures, fueled by the use of non-renewable energy sources, such as burning fossil fuels for
power generation. In addition, greenhouse gases are one of the main factors causing global warming,
due to the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere and the production of these gases, resulting from
the lack of performance of civil constructions throughout their useful lives. Given this context, it is
essential to include the principle of applying sustainability in architecture as a whole, from before the
project is built until its demolition. (CLIMATE ACTION TRACKER, 2022)
In the field of architecture, this theme arose from Agenda 21, held in 1992, and the concepts
have evolved since then, with the support of the conventions held by the UN and, in addition, with
the climate conventions, the "COP" (Convention of the Parties), which take place annually. These
define the indispensable instruments for the planning of buildings and provide a great link between
environmental efficiency and urban sustainability. On the other hand, a significant portion of the
world's energy matrix, focused on the construction sector, uses non-renewable sources and, according
to the 2017 Global Status Report, generates 40% of CO₂ emissions, in addition to the energy spent on
these buildings, which is maximized when there is no concern and/or use of bioclimatic strategies.
fundamental to sustainability.
Bioclimatic architecture is based on the use of sustainable criteria and local climatic
conditions (incidence of the sun's rays, location, winds and existing vegetation, for example) as
essential components to obtain adequate thermal comfort. From these existing environmental sources,
together with the integration and application of sustainable strategies, it is possible to obtain results
that directly impact the reduction of the effects of greenhouse gases and the reduction of the
consequences of global warming. Therefore, it is necessary that in the architectural sector there is
adaptation to the climate, in order to create spaces that provide comfort to human beings, and that
mitigate the sensations of discomfort imposed by more severe climates (FROTA; SCHIFFER, 2003),
in addition to the consideration of the traditional knowledge of the region (COSTA, 2007).
With this scenario, the objective of this research is to evaluate and observe, through a case
study (taken as the main methodology), the sustainable strategies and their applications within civil
construction around the world, and to analyze how this system connects and integrates with the local
climate, based on experiments and digital simulations.The object of the research is The Crystal
building, former headquarters of the Siemens company and current headquarters of the City of
London, as this construction is considered a great reference in the area of sustainability, due to the
use of bioclimatic strategies built in an intelligent and optimized way, aimed at environmental
comfort. In addition, the project achieved two certifications, with the highest levels of international

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
sustainability certification standards, LEED Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding. (WILKINSON
EYRE ARCHITECTS, 2022)

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The concept of sustainable development was created in 1987 in the Brundtland Report
presented by the UN, with the concern of preserving natural reserves due to the extractive mode of
production. Thus, sustainable development should meet "the needs of the present, without
compromising the needs of future generations." This definition portrays how sustainability, at its
core, is the concern of keeping the environment in which one resides healthy and comfortable, with
attention to maintaining the integrity of the place without causing a lack of resources in the future.
(BRUNDTLAND, 1991, p.1)
According to Gauzin-Müller (2002), based on his studies, he observes that a good part of the
world's energy matrix still uses too many non-renewable sources and that, consequently, there will
not be enough sources for future generations. In addition, according to the 2017 Global Status
Report, the construction sector was responsible for 40% of CO₂ emissions, and the energy spent on
these buildings is maximized when there is no integration with bioclimatic strategies, considered a
preferable solution in order to minimize energy costs, in addition to promoting comfort and
increasing the useful life of buildings. These strategies are defined as those designed based on the
local climate and, at the same time, intend to promote thermal comfort (CRES, 2017), in addition to
being considered from the beginning of the project, associated with the climate study. (FLEET, 1979)
(GIVONI, 1992)
In addition to this thought, Schmid (2005) cites in his book his perception in the course of
scientific and technological discoveries over the centuries. In addition, the author also highlights the
carelessness and forgetfulness within civil construction regarding the pre-established and determining
characteristics of a certain site: "there have been effective contributions to energy performance, since
knowledge in thermal insulation and ventilation has also advanced. However, traditional knowledge
of adaptation to the local climate has been forgotten." In addition, Schmid also positions himself on
the way that buildings are planned "the elegance of the forms did not always correspond to the
elegance of the technical solutions.", in addition to emphasizing the lack of planning of sustainable
strategies when he points out the following thought "the so-called machines of living and working
depended on portentous air conditioning systems".
Thus, environmental comfort in Architecture and Urbanism has as one of its main objectives
the viability of human settlements, in association with the basic and necessary conditions of
habitability, which are adapted to the conditions of the natural environment, as well as the social,
economic and cultural (SCHMID, 2005). In addition, the quality of life in a house is intrinsically

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
linked to the construction techniques applied to it and, consequently, to the architectural project
adopted. The contribution of passive and bioclimatic techniques incorporated since the beginning of
this planning enables a direct increase in thermal and environmental comfort, in addition to making it
possible to minimize the use of active technologies, in order to contribute directly to the environment.
(KEELER; BURKE, 2010).
In an interview with the CAU of Rio de Janeiro, Richar de Dear (2020, internet) points out
that "bioclimatic strategies must be implemented passively and, as a consequence, reduce energy
consumption in buildings". In addition, Gurgel (2012, p. 41 and 42) also recommends in his book the
insertion of passive strategies in different types of climate. As an example, in cold climate, he
recommends as a passive strategy: "greater sun exposure through the building"; "create an envelope
to keep the heat inside the building"; "prevent cold air infiltration"; "protect external access doors
from cold winds"; "prevent heat loss by conduction (thermal insulation)"; "Promote the circulation of
warm air by convection".
Another example of a solution for cold climates is according to Lee Lanterman (2014), in
which he highlights the system of heat pumps, which have the same principles as geothermal energy
and, therefore, have the function of transferring the Earth's temperature to the interior of buildings.
The pump consists of a closed system that works in an inverse way to the climate and, therefore, in
places of intense cold, heat can be collected a few meters from the surface, being taken to the
transformer units in order to catch it to provide greater heating. In the same way, in climates of
intense heat the process will become reversed and the system captures the coolness of the earth with
the intention of cooling the building.
In short, the application of bioclimatic architecture becomes essential in the field of
constructions, due to its extreme importance for sustainability and the viability of the way of living,
and can be defined as the study that aims to harmonize buildings with the bioclimatic characteristics
of each place, to optimize the use of available natural resources. such as sunlight and wind,
generating comfort and, consequently, the promotion of a harmonious relationship between the
landscape and the building, taking as an agenda the microclimate and its available natural resources.
(NEVES, 2006).
In this research, another theme that will be addressed is that of constructions that apply the
"Almost Zero Energy" (Net-zero energy) concept. This type of building aims to enable energy
savings, with the functional integration of all building systems, namely: energy generation, building
automation, thermal insulation and internal air conditioning, all integrated into the bioclimatic
project. Preferably, the energy in this concept comes from renewable sources with the possibility of
production in the building itself, such as the use of photovoltaic panels. (TORCELLINI et al., 2006)

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
METHODOLOGY
LITERATURE REVIEW
A recap of the literature will be carried out throughout the study, based on research into the
concepts of net-zero energy, energy efficiency, characteristics of bioclimatic architecture and
sustainability in architecture.

ON-SITE TECHNICAL VISIT

Visit to the building's premises, carried out in July 2022, with its own funding, for data
collection and interview with technicians and site representatives.

DIGITAL SIMULATION WITH ENVI-MET AND ANDREW MARSH SOFTWARE

Digital simulation produced from the "Envi-Met" software, which allows the understanding of
the dynamics in the urban climate and its impacts, based on the urban morphology, the soil
configuration and the effects caused by the use of vegetation. The study was carried out at the
Environmental Comfort Laboratory of the Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Higienópolis Campus,
in order to evaluate the topics of insolation in the surroundings of the building. The simulation
carried out by the "Andrew Marsh" software is aimed at the study of the bioclimatic strategy
proposed for solar insolation, with a focus on facades, during the summer solstices, winter and
equinoxes, in order to better understand and visualize the critical zones and the solutions proposed in
the project.

SIMULATIONS IN PHYSICAL MODELS

Analysis of ventilation strategies based on the use of two small-scale physical models to
understand the relationship of openings, such as ventilation, the chimney effect and the paths of air
flows within different spaces, defined by the internal volume of the building. The models were
exposed in experiments with directed smoke (in order to simulate a wind tunnel), in search of an
understanding of the paths of air flows, through photographs taken in the environmental comfort
laboratory of the Mackenzie Presbyterian University.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

In the London region, located in the southeast of England, the climate is influenced by the
ocean, with a mild and humid marine climate, with no dry season and hot summers. Heavy
precipitation, on the other hand, occurs during the winter, being considered mild, and dominated by
mid-latitude cyclones. Seasonality is moderate, with the Köppen-Geiger classification as "Cfb -
temperate oceanic climate" (KÖPPEN ET AL., 2006). According to WeatherSpark's climate base

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
(2023), summer is short with "long, very cold winter and strong winds". Throughout the year,
temperatures fluctuate between "4 °C to 23 °C", in abnormal situations, and can vary below freezing,
"from -1 °C to 29 °C".

Figure 1. Köppen-Geigen Climate Zones

Fonte: Köppen et al. (2006)

Figure 2: Exterior views of The Crystal building

Source: photographs produced by the author (SHINODA,TABATA), taken during the technical visit to the site (July,2022)

The building has an area of 6,300 square meters, and was designed in 2011 by the office of
Wilkinson Eyre Architects, primarily a large center for exhibitions, research and conferences of the
Siemens company, with the aim of fostering new discoveries and debates on innovation, quality of
life and "sustainable urban development". However, in mid-2022, the City of London set up shop on
the site.

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
 Figure 3. Current internal view of the site

Source: photo produced by the author (SHINODA,TABATA), made during the technical visit (July, 2022)

Figure 4. Old exhibition center

Fonte: Wilkinson Eyre Architects (2022)

Currently, the building has few places for public visitation, due to the preservation of security
for the city hall. In Figure 3, we find the current central courtyard, where some meeting rooms were
built for the London government, and in Figure 4, the same place can be seen, but with its old
purpose, intended for the old one Siemens' Center for Sustainable Urban Development. The
building's former facilities held interactive exhibitions related to art, urbanism and technology, a wide
variety of audiovisual shows, which took place on the building's façade, as well as conferences such
as the UN Habitat program in 2012 and the conference “Digital Life Design Cities” (SIEMENS AG,
2012), as well as launch events focused on technology and sustainability. (WILKINSON EYRE
ARCHITECTS, 2022)

ANALYSIS OF THE BUILDING'S SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES

In order to understand this theme, the study of the insolation of the project, located in
London, United Kingdom, was carried out from a digital simulation, in the Andrew Marsh software
and, for this, it was important to place it in a georeferenced way, taking into account its geometries,
entrances, openings and the positions of the facades, which will be analyzed below.
Thus, as shown by the elevation of the building in Figure 5, these facades were designed in
such a way as to think about the user's comfort: the main access to the building is to the east, where
the sun rises and is milder, at noon, the sun is over the skylights, located on the roof and, at the end of

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
the day, the afternoon sun illuminates the stairs between the floors and exit of the building, which
causes soft lighting in these transitional spaces, as shown in figure 5 (AKBAR, 2021) (QI et al.
2022).

Figure 5: Solar orientation incident on the building during the day

Cast iron: QIU et al.,2022

The development of the dynamic mapping of natural light, through the Andrew Marsh
software, aims to analyze the periods of insolation and its obstructions, which directly impact the
facades of the building, during three times of the year: winter solstice, summer solstice and
equinoxes. From the georeferencing of the project in London and the insertion of the 3D model of the
roof, in the "Dynamic Overshadowing" application, it was possible to infer the periods of light
incidence on the facades (Table 1), since the degree of shading at the point chosen in the application
is quantified based on the percentage of the sky that is occluded in the period and on the date chosen.
(ANDREW MARSH, 2016)

Figure 6: periods of insolation on the south façade, which is most critical, at 6 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m., respectively

Source: by the author (SHINODA, TABATA), images taken from the digital simulation - Andrew Marsh (2023)

Table 1. Spreadsheet of greater insolation on facades, based on digital simulation

Source: Prepared by the author (SHINODA, TABATA) based on the results obtained in the Andrew Marsh software
(2023)

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
 Figure 7: Solar incidence study carried out in Solar GIS

Cast iron: QIU et al.,2022

When observing Figure 7, we observe that the building receives a uniform amount of solar
incidence and, in addition, in the immediate surroundings, there are no buildings that obstruct this
data, since around the construction there is an extensive flat area, with gardens and areas for walks
and public walks. The north façade is the coldest. On the other hand, the south façade faces the high
solar gain due to the angle of the sun. This information was confirmed by the authors of this work,
through the data presented in spreadsheet 1, by the digital simulation in the Andrew Marsh software,
as well as confirmed by Qiu et al. (2022), shown in the diagrams in Figure 7.
The solution adopted to minimize the effects of the glass facades not becoming critical was
the best use of the solar incidence, from its envelope, as a high-performance solar glass was
applied. These, "are double glazing with three different types of panels, which allow an average of
70% of the entry of visible light, and the insulating argon gas in the void between the panels
minimizes the passage of heat". In the project, therefore, only "30% of the solar energy passes
through the glass and the building is not overheated, in addition to obtaining optimal thermal
comfort". (WILKINSON EYRE ARCHITECTS, 2022) (SIEMENS, 2013)
Another resource used to promote the entry of natural light was the insertion of skylights,
which also provide an increase in internal heating after exposure to the sun during the day. The
insertion position of these skylights is strategic and efficient, as they are located at the points where
the sun exposure is more incident by the roof. (GLA,2022)

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
 Figure 8: Section of the building with the indication of the solar incidence through the skylights

Source: Wilkinson Eyre Architects (2022) adapted by the author - Archdaily

For the design of the building, the inspiring element was nature, perceived in its crystal-
shaped geometry, with two parallelogram shapes that have multiple triangular facets. However, "in
addition to the aesthetic effect, the angles of the entire building, both on its roof and on its facades,
are strategies to minimize the direct incidence of the sun and to reduce the overheating of the
building", as highlighted by the authors QIU et al.,2022.
The structure of the building uses steel, from the use of a prefabricated minimum weight cut
in CNC, the glass panels, which allow maximizing the use of natural light, and reinforced concrete,
which is used in the 160 helix-shaped foundation piles that supported the building (the floors are also
made of concrete). (ABTEC BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES, 2022)
Another strategy applied to reduce the effect of overheating and the high incidence of solar
glare was the insertion of skylight glass, made from reflective glass windows, which significantly
reduce heat gain due to their properties. In view of this, it is possible to perceive the effect of self-
shading on the elevations below, in Figures 9 and 10, because, in order to minimize the "direct
penetration of the sun's rays through the glass panels, reflective glass is used on the surfaces, which
are facing the sun, while transparent glass is used on the faces away from the sun. towards the
ground." (GLA, 2022)

Figure 9: Building envelope strategies

Source: Wilkinson Eyre Architects (2022) adapted by the author (SHINODA, TABATA) - Archdaily

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
 Figure 10: Auto Shading on Building Elevation

Source: Wilkinson Eyre Architects (2022) - adapted by the author (SHINODA, TABATA) - Archdaily

At the angle of the roof, 1,580 m² of photovoltaic solar panels are "arranged", which cover
two-thirds of the roof, with 20% of the building's energy generated by the solar panels. All energy use
used in the building is constantly monitored, and every kilowatt of electricity used can be
measured. (WILKINSON EYRE ARCHITECTS, 2022)

Figures 11 and 12: Rooftop photovoltaic solar panels

Fonte: Wilkinson Eyre Architects (2022)

Therefore, the sustainable strategies adopted throughout the project, such as the solar panels,
the skylights on the roof and their geometry, are directly influenced by local climatic conditions (such
as the positions of the sun on the building throughout the day) and, at the same time, seek to promote
thermal comfort to users.
Then, for the study of the ventilation strategies applied inside the building, two physical
models were made on reduced scales, to understand the relationship between the openings and the air
flows inside the building, through experimentation in the environmental comfort laboratory of the
Mackenzie Presbyterian University. Both models were adapted and reproduced from the ground floor
plan, with its openings, shown below (Figure 13).

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
 Figure 13. Indication on the deployment plan

Source: Wilkinson Eyre Architects (2022 b), adapted by the author (SHINODA, TABATA) - Archdaily

For the first experiment (Figure 14), a larger-scale model was made, with the main objective
of analyzing the ventilation and the perception of the airflow paths in the openings in the facades,
considered totally open for this first study. It is possible to observe this flow through the use of
incense, positioned at the bottom, and the exit of the smoke directed to the zenith opening of the roof
and in the upper windows.

Figure 14. Experimentation with the Model 1

Source: Photos taken by the author, 2023. (SHINODA, TABATA)

For the second experiment (Figure 15), an adaptation was carried out, and a smaller-scale
model was considered, with only the zenith opening of the roof (with its reduced angulation), because
its purpose was to understand the air vortex and wind tunnels inside the building, in an area that has a
large flow of people. On this scale, it is also possible to observe the directed smoke through the use
of incense, however, the smoke output above the zenith opening (which represents hot air) is denser
and more concentrated. The air vortex forms due to physical barriers (such as building walls and
existing constructions, such as new meeting rooms).

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
 Figure 15. Experimentation with the Mockup 2

Source: Photos taken by the author (2023)

These two models prove the efficiency of natural ventilation in architectural projects when
they are thought together, this strategy seeks to save on air conditioning and promotes air renewal,
improving the quality of the air inside the environments. And therefore, this is one of the items in this
project that adds to the rest of the sustainable strategies.

Figure 16. Cross Ventilation Scheme

Source: Wilkinson Eyre Architects (2022 b), adapted by the author (SHINODA, TABATA) - Archdaily

Figure 17. Opening of the windows for ventilation

Cast iron: QIU et al.,2022

The solution adopted for the spaces that have a large flow of people, such as the cafeteria and
the old exhibition center (now transformed into meeting rooms and a religious space), is to ensure
natural ventilation, due to the openings in the facades of the building, as shown in Figure 17, and
shown in the experiments with the physical models (Figures 14 and 15). On the other hand, for
strictly closed spaces, such as administrative offices, mechanical ventilation is used.
For the building's heating and cooling system (Figure 18), there are geothermal heat pumps,
which pump water through pipes that penetrate the ground up to 150 meters deep. The two
geothermal heat pumps provide hot and cold water, and pump it into pipes under the floor for heating

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
or cooling. The cold water passes through a beam mounted on the ceiling, so that when the hot air
rises it reaches the cooled beam, it cools down and descends, bringing the frigid air to those
below. (GLA ,2022)

Figure 18. Building heating and cooling system

Fonts: GLA (2022)

Energy is recovered from thermal wheels. The outgoing air passes through a heat-absorbing
disc which then rotates in the incoming airstream, warming the fresh air. About 60% of the heat
output or cooling energy is recovered. By using 100% natural heat sources, the building does not
need external sources. (GLA, 2022)

Figure 19. Infographic on the system of bioclimatic strategies applied to the building

Source: Wilkinson Eyre Architects, rereading and translation by the author, 2022 (SHINODA, TABATA)

In the system above (Figure 19), several types of sustainable and technological systems can
be perceived, such as water planning. For rainwater, which is collected by the angles of the building's
roof, there is a 30m³ underground storage tank, since, after collection, this water will be treated
through ultraviolet filtration and disinfection. As for the black water, which needs more attention,
there is a biological tank, as it will be recycled in two treatment areas and two filters. After the

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
treatment of this black water, it is used to irrigate the gardens around the building and flush the
toilets. (WILKINSON EYRE ARCHITECTS, 2022)
The system applied to the building in the design of The Crystal (Figure 22), with its
bioclimatic and technological strategies throughout its extension, led Wilkinson Eyre Architects to
achieve the highest environmental certifications recognized worldwide, LEED Platinum and
BREEAM Outstanding. These certifications have several requirements and strategies that need to be
achieved, and the primary purpose of these certifications is to achieve highly sustainable, comfortable
and efficient constructions. (WILKINSON EYRE ARCHITECTS, 2022)
In order to verify the influence of the environment and the existing climatic conditions on the
design decisions, a digital simulation was carried out in the ENVI-Met software, which allows the
extraction of climatic data from the design of the surroundings, which is conceived from the insertion
of the vegetation, the existing buildings, the analyzed surfaces and the materials used in each
location.

Figure 20. Digital analysis in the Envi-Met software of wind speed and temperature during the winter and summer
solstice)

Source: by the author (SHINODA, TABATA), images taken from the digital simulation - ENVI-MET(2023)

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
 Figure 21. Deployment plan

Fonte: Wilkinson Eyre Architects (2022)

Figure 22. London compass rose inserted in the ground floor plan

Source: Archdaily (2023) and World-Weather (2023), adapted by the author (SHINODA, TABATA)

In the simulations analyzed by Envi-met (Figure 20), the average wind speeds around the
building, both in winter and summer, occur between 7 km/h (in summer) and 16 km/h (in winter),
and the authors QIU et al. (2022), find an average speed of 14 km/h. averaged 2 to 5 °C on the
winter solstice and 15.5 °C on the summer solstice. The data taken from the software's simulation, in
relation to the average temperature and wind speed, are compatible with the averages of the city of
London in the year 2022, as situated in the climate base of WEATHERSPARK (2023)
Therefore, from the compass rose, represented in Figure 22, (WORLD WEATHER, 2023), it
can be seen that the winds are more frequent from the west, with 21.9%, and from the southwest,
with 20.4%, and the least frequent wind comes from the southeast, with 5.4%, which confirms the
data obtained by the Envi-Met simulation.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Greenhouse gas emissions have had a drastic impact on climate change, especially in large
urban centers. Therefore, it is up to the buildings to contribute to the minimization of this effect.
However, unfortunately, the solution found by many companies in large-scale works is excessive
spending on air conditioning in cold places. Abroad, however, the evolution of this sustainable arm of

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
architecture is remarkable. It is observed that there is great interest in the development of new
technologies in search of innovative and creative solutions, such as The Crystal project, which
presents high energy efficiency, through its smart and sustainable solutions.
In this sense, the case study of The Crystal building seeks precisely to evaluate and explain
how the new smart cities are able to implement new sustainable technological resources in their
constructions in a coherent and effective way, which do not harm the environment and provide
comfort and well-being for the inhabitants through architecture, without the need for expensive
technologies. obsolete and non-renewable. However, it is important to highlight that the copying of
these strategies used for buildings built in the northern hemisphere in a cold climate does not apply to
tropical places with a hot climate, even if they are sustainable, such as, for example, the use of glass
skins would not be an effective strategy for tropical places, in view of their overheating in the
environments during the summer.
Together with the concept of the future of sustainability in buildings sought by Siemens, and
with the desire for more comfortable and intelligent constructions, the design of The Crystal building
stands out as a great reference, as it establishes an interaction between the internal and external
through the adoption of advanced sustainable practices, through the various technologies present in
the building to reduce costs and energy consumption. without relying exclusively on passive
systems. The openings in the facades and roofs, their geometry and the surrounding vegetation,
enhance the relevance of the connection between the environment and architecture. Through the case
study and the problems presented, it is possible to clarify the reason for the importance of research
and analysis of innovative solutions that are around the world, in search of increasingly livable,
intelligent cities that care about the environment. By offering an innovative and sustainable urban
lifestyle, The Crystal building is a great inspiring reference for a new way of experiencing
architecture.

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
 REFERENCES

1. ABTEC BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES. (2022). Case Study Crystal Clear. Recuperado de

http://www.abtecbt.com/crystal-london/

2. AG, SIEMENS. (2012, 19 de setembro). Siemens opens urban development center – The Crystal in
London. Recuperado de https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-opens-urban-
development-center-crystal-london-worlds-largest-exhibition

3. AKBAR, F. (2021, 1 de setembro). The Crystal by Wilkinson Eyre. Building study & report - iukl.
Recuperado de https://issuu.com/farahimakbar/docs/assignment_4_-_group_2

4. ARUP. (2013). World first for Siemens Crystal. Recuperado de https://www.arup.com/news-and-

events/world-first-for-siemens-crystal

5. BRUNDTLAND, G. (1992). Nosso Futuro Comum 1987. Rio de Janeiro: Editora da Fundação
Getúlio Vargas. Recuperado de
https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/4245128/mod_resource/content/3/Nosso%20Futuro%
20Comum.pdf

6. CLIMATE ACTION TRACKER. (s.d.). About Climate Action. Recuperado de

https://climateactiontracker.org/

7. COMFORT, CLIMATE ANALYSIS AND BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES. (1992, 18 de

junho). Energy And Buildings. Recuperado de
https://www.aivc.org/sites/default/files/airbase_6454.pdf

8. DARSAN, B. (2021, 29 de maio). The Crystal by Wilkinson Eyre Architects: A pavilion in a park -
RTF: Rethinking the future. Recuperado de https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/case-
studies/a4224-the-crystal-by-wilkinson-eyre-architects-a-pavilion-in-a-park/

9. DE DEAR, R. (2020). Ventilação natural, proteção solar e as melhores práticas projetuais para
combater o calor. Recuperado de https://www.caurj.gov.br/ventilacao-natural-protecao-solar-e-
as-melhores-praticas-projetuais-para-combater-o-calor/

10. FROTA, A. B. (1979). Clima e projeto do ambiente térmico. FAUUSP–São Paulo.

11. GAUZIN-MÜLLER, D. (2002). Sustainable architecture and urbanism: concepts, technologies,

examples. Springer Science & Business Media.

12. GIVONI, B. (1992). Comfort, Climate Analysis and Building Design Guidelines. Energy and
Buildings, 18(1), 11-23.

13. GLA-GREATER LONDON. (2022). THE CRYSTAL: One of the World's Most Sustainable
Buildings. Recuperado de https://www.thecrystal.org/about/

14. GURGEL, M. (2021). Design passivo: guia para conhecer, entender e aplicar conforto ambiental
com baixo consumo energético. Editora Senac: São Paulo.

15. KEELER, M., & BURKE, B. (2010). Fundamentos de projeto de edificações sustentáveis. Porto
Alegre: Bookman Editora.

16. KÖPPEN, W., GEIGER, R. (1928). Klimate der Erde. Gotha: Verlag Justus Perthes.

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies
17. LEE, S., LANTERMAN, H. B., LOYALKA, K., & SPEIGHT, J. G. (2014). Handbook of
Alternative Fuel Technologies. Boca Raton: CRC.

18. MARSH, A. (s.d.). Dynamic Overshadowing. Recuperado de

https://andrewmarsh.com/software/shading-box-web/

19. NEVES, L. O. (2006). Arquitetura Bioclimática e a obra de Severiano Porto: estratégias de

ventilação natural (Dissertação de Mestrado). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade
de São Paulo. Recuperado de https://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/18/18141/tde-
03012007-232857/publico/dissertacaoNEVES_compactada.pdf

20. QIU, J. C., et al. (2022). Passive Green Building Case Studies Poster & Booklet G3. Recuperado
de https://issuu.com/joanna1025/docs/gsbd_g3

21. SCHMID, A. L. (2005). A ideia de conforto: reflexões sobre o ambiente construído. Curitiba: Pacto
Ambiental.

22. SIEMENS. (2015). The Crystal: one of the most sustainable buildings in the world. Recuperado de
https://www.thecrystal.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/The-Crystal-Sustainability-
Features.pdf

23. SIEMENS. (2013, 15 de julho). The Crystal sets the benchmark for sustainable building.
Recuperado de https://news.siemens.co.uk/news/the-crystal-sets-the-benchmark-for-
sustainable-building

24. TORCELLINI, P., et al. (2006). Zero energy buildings: a critical look at the definition. National
Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States).

25. UNEP. (2016). Towards zero-emission efficient and resilient buildings – Global Status Report 2016.
United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environnement).

26. WEATHERSPARK. (2023). Clima e condições meteorológicas médias em Londres no ano todo.
Recuperado de https://pt.weatherspark.com/y/45062/Clima-caracter%C3%ADstico-em-
Londres-Reino-Unido-durante-o-ano#Figures-WindDirection

27. WILKINSON EYRE ARCHITECTS. (2022). The Crystal - London. Recuperado de

https://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/the-crystal

28. WILKINSON EYRE ARCHITECTS b. (2022). The Crystal - London. Recuperado de

https://www.archdaily.com/275111/the-crystal-wilkinson-eyre-architects

Themes focused on interdisciplinarity and sustainable development worldwide V. 02

The crystal building: Sustainable performance and technologies