Now you will research two buildings that you find to have an interesting design. These can be office buildings, homes, football stadiums, or any structure that you are interested in, but you will need to pick two that are the same type of building. Address the five questions about the previous houses. Use the Comparison worksheet to write a brief summary of the buildings you chose, and outline the similarities and differences between the two designs.
Building 1: Office Building - One World Trade Center, New York City, USA
1. What is the design style of the building?
One World Trade Center is designed in a contemporary architectural style, featuring a sleek and minimalist design with a tapered form towards the top.
2. What are some key architectural features of the building?
The notable architectural features of One World Trade Center include its height, reaching a symbolic 1,776 feet (541 meters) and its distinctive spire at the top. The building's façade is made of glass and aluminum, which reflects the surrounding skyline.
3. Are there any unique or innovative design elements?
One unique design element of One World Trade Center is its sustainability focus. The building is LEED-certified and incorporates several green features, such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and a natural ventilation system.
4. How does the building use natural light and space?
The building maximizes natural light through its extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for panoramic views of the city. The interior spaces are designed to be open and flexible, accommodating various types of office layouts.
5. How does the building integrate with its surroundings?
One World Trade Center stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, standing adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial and in close proximity to other iconic buildings in Lower Manhattan. Its design blends with the surrounding urban landscape while being distinct in its own right.
Building 2: Office Building - The Shard, London, UK
1. What is the design style of the building?
The Shard is designed in a contemporary architectural style, characterized by its vertical glass-clad exterior and sharp angles.
2. What are some key architectural features of the building?
The principal architectural features of The Shard include its shear height, standing at 1,016 feet (310 meters), making it the tallest building in the UK. The building's design incorporates a jagged glass façade that tapers towards the top and a distinctive spire-like structure.
3. Are there any unique or innovative design elements?
One unique design element of The Shard is its "shard-like" geometry, which creates multiple facets and reflects the changing daylight. The building also incorporates energy-saving techniques, such as rainwater harvesting and a combined heat and power system.
4. How does the building use natural light and space?
The Shard utilizes an abundant amount of glass panels, allowing for ample natural light to penetrate the building and provide stunning views of London. The interior spaces are designed to be open and flexible, with generous floor-to-ceiling heights.
5. How does the building integrate with its surroundings?
Located in the heart of London, The Shard acts as a vertical city, featuring a mix of offices, residential apartments, a hotel, restaurants, and an observation deck. The building's design complements the surrounding historic and contemporary structures while creating a striking and modern addition to the city skyline.
Summary of Similarities and Differences:
- Both One World Trade Center and The Shard are office buildings designed in a contemporary style, featuring glass-clad exteriors and unique shapes.
- They both prioritize natural light and offer panoramic views through their extensive use of floor-to-ceiling windows.
- One World Trade Center incorporates sustainable design elements, while The Shard focuses on energy-saving techniques.
- One World Trade Center acts as a symbol of resilience in New York City, while The Shard serves as a dynamic addition to the London skyline.
- The Shard also integrates residential, hotel, and other commercial spaces, making it a multifunctional vertical city, whereas One World Trade Center is solely an office building.