First Principles - Sustainable Design: The Science of Sustainability and Green Engineering - page 57

In Chapter 1 we discussed the fact that although wind energy is renewable,
if not designed properly, its use may still be inefficient. It is commendable to
add wind energy systems to a building, but it is best to design these systems
into the building design process. For example, the building form, sunlight
exposure, siting, and local climate are factors that if considered collectively,
can mean the difference between a green versus a less than optimal system.
This does not mean that either the conventional design of a building or that
of an added system (e.g., a windmill) drives the other. In fact, the beauty of
an integrated system is that the two systems are merged and that all energy
system options are assessed very early with regard to function. Shelter, energy,
exposure, materials, heat and air exchanges, and every aspect of a building
system are considered together.
The Pearl River Tower, designed by the architectural engineering firm
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill's Chicago office, is now under construction in
Guangzhou, China (see Figs. S2.3 and S2.4). The design solution for this zero-
energy high-rise building integrates wind-harvesting turbines into the form
of the building, with two large intakes carefully engineered and sculpted into
the building's fa¸ade. The forms are designed and tuned to allow wind to pass
Figure S2.3 Intake at turbines for Pearl River Tower.
Courtesy of Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill, LLP.