Spher(e)-cal ecological info point

Students: Kargiou Irene, Mirtsopoulos Ioannis, Papasotiriou Flora
Supervisors: Axarli Klio, Voyatzaki Maria, Tzekakis Emmanouil
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Faculty of Engineering, School of Architecture
Date: February 2011

The objective of this project is the design of an ecological info point at Aristotle Square of Thessaloniki, Greece. The specific location gathers thousands of visitors on an everyday basis and this pavilion is intended to keep them aware of environmental issues.

Sustainability, in terms of design and materiality, and exploitation of renewable energy sources are the main criteria that shall be taken into consideration. The sunny climate, thus the sun radiation, and the closeness to the sea, thus the sea breeze, are the two main characteristics towards the construction of a sustainable pavilion.

So, the chosen form for such an info point is a wooden geodesic dome of 9m diameter. It is also surrounded and intersected by two ramps, for entrance usage, which follow the graphical display of Pi (π = 3.14159265).

Regarding the electricity needs, we intend to be covered with energy production systems which take advantage of renewable energy sources. Wind generators which convert the wind energy to electricity, are assembled on many of the intersections of the triangles that compose the geodesic dome. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the spinning blinds that exist on every triangle of the dome are covered with photovoltaic membranes, given that the location of the pavilion is selected based on an analysis of the maximum sun radiation (shadow range) at the Aristotle square.

For heating purposes, we have chosen an underfloor pipe system connected with a geothermal energy heating pipe. The cooling of the pavilion is succeeded through natural movement of air: the temperature difference which pushes the warm air upwards (chimney effect) and the sea breeze, one of the climatic characteristics of the city of Thessaloniki. The sea breeze is exploited for cross ventilation as opening triangles are chosen at the perimeter of the dome. When they are open the indoor air is refreshed and in the summer time the pavilion is getting cooler.