To document several lighting design strategies that are part of the design philosophy for the first mixed-use, large scale positive energy building
Technology & Design
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill
Description
This project addresses the lighting design strategies and advanced technologies used in the realization of the Masdar Headquarters, a positive energy office building set within Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It emphasizes design goals centered around human visual performance and investigates lighting conditions with regard to achieving sustainable and climatically responsive architecture. Analysis is conducted to optimize several daylighting design strategies such as a shading trellis, conical courtyards, sawtooth facade, and louvers. The project also highlights electric lighting concepts predicated on available daylight and advanced lighting controls incorporating digital dimming ballasts, programmed and user operable controls, daylight harvesting, and occupancy monitoring. In conclusion, the project illustrates the contribution of daylight, advanced technology, and human centered lighting design in the building's achievement of a 103% net-positive energy use through the passive and active means meeting user's preferences and best working conditions.
