Sustainable Design: L.F. Wade Intl. Airport's Innovative Features

The L.F. Wade International Airport project, developed by DEMELLO & ASSOCIATES architectural studio, incorporates innovative and sustainable features to optimize energy efficiency and create a visually appealing and safe environment. One notable feature is the Photovoltaic Crystallite Glass system, which utilizes tail and wing feathers to harness solar energy and generate electricity. This system, along with the Photovoltaic Architectural Concrete system, offers the highest energy yield relative to investment, ensuring an optimal constructive solution.

To promote a healthy and productive environment, the airport incorporates an HVAC air filtering system that operates through an ecological engineered air purifier. This system is designed to simulate nature's air purifiers, creating a partially controlled environment that is user-friendly. The atrium level is dedicated to encompassing various types of foliage, large trees, small shrubs, and aquatic pools, all of which contribute to the air purification process.

Capacious prism vaults are strategically placed throughout the airport to provide natural illumination. Sunlight reflects off the wall surfaces, not only providing solar energy for plant growth but also creating a controlled cool lighting system for the enjoyment of both occupants and visitors. Additionally, low voltage lighting, such as 12-volt DC LED lighting and fiber optical cable lighting, further reduces power consumption.

The airport's design includes a Photovoltaic Glass Curtain Wall system, which not only produces electrical energy from the sun but also filters UV and IR rays. This system offers thermal and acoustical insulation while providing natural illumination. Combined with the Photovoltaic Glass Panels and Photovoltaic Architectural Concrete system, this airport project boasts the highest energy yield relative to investment. Moreover, the facility is entirely independent of the power company, with facilities management predominantly computer-controlled, ensuring an environmentally friendly and user-friendly experience.

The airport incorporates Intelligent Building Systems (IBS) that utilize computer-aided controlled bioclimatic environments. These systems minimize conductive heat flow, detect delay periodic heat flow through sensors within the building envelope materials, and control interior thermal storage. They also promote solar gain in allocated zones, detect external air flows, control ventilation systems, minimize solar gain in specific areas, and regulate radiant and evaporative cooling.

Cogeneration units provide backup power for the airport. These bio-fuel powered units reduce hydrocarbon fuel consumption and subsequent carbon emissions. The tri-cycle power units utilize advanced technologies, employing multiple thermodynamic cycles to generate electrical power and provide HVAC heating.

To ensure smooth and efficient movement between floors and user destinations, the airport features magnetic elevator/escalator and walkway systems. These systems offer easy vertical and horizontal flow, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

In summary, the L.F. Wade International Airport project is a testament to sustainable and innovative design. With its focus on energy efficiency, air purification, natural illumination, and user-friendly systems, this mixed-use airport project sets a new standard for environmentally conscious architecture.

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