AIIB is a multilateral development bank currently with over 100 members worldwide. The design of this 390,000m2 meandering building thus emphasises on connections and transparency, featuring five inter-connected office buildings with all office areas grouped around nine lightwells, seven of which are internal, and a breath-taking 80m building-high atrium. Working closely with the clients and project architect GMP, WSP equipped this complex with an integrated MEP solution that shapes a quality collaborative environment for meaningful economic and social outcomes in Asia.
Smart, green and efficient
In line with AIIB’s vision of sustainable development, our MEP engineers introduced some of the most innovative features in our integrated solutions. For example, the windows are automated by censors based on conditions like outdoor temperature, wind speed and rainfall, while the smart lighting system is controlled with daylight and occupancy sensing technologies. Besides, the building is equipped with a smart shading system that will adjust according to the amount and direction of sunlight, and a highly efficient anti-smog ventilation system. All these systems are integrated and interact with each other to optimise indoor thermal comfort, lighting level and air quality. With BIM fully implemented in the whole project life cycle from design, construction to operation, a real-time digital platform is developed enabling smart building management as well.
The challenging atrium
The 80m-high atrium creates a continuum of open spaces and vistas that lead through the building, yet it also posed certain engineering challenges. One of them is uneven heat distribution. We addressed the issue with underfloor air distribution, radiant floor eating and ‘cool pool’ strategy to control the thermal environment in the active zone, while adopting convection for the entire space. Our design has reduced the cooling and heating load of the building and hence the energy consumption.
The massive space is also a critical issue on fire safety which exceeds the compartment size of the local code requirement. Computer modelling was adopted to analyse the risk in the event of fire in this space to evaluate the effect from high temperature and smoke. Based on the study, we formulated an innovative fire engineering approach as well as suitable structural solution to fulfil the code requirement.
Secure yet convenient
Designed to be a critical workplace under embassy standard security and protection, our solution is the foundation of the three-layer security and control system, which consists of a perimeter anti-ramping system, a security check point, and an integrated face recognition system. Featuring a smart dispatch system, our vertical transportation solution is synchronised with the security gate, reducing visitors’ waiting time in the lobby to no more than 30 seconds.
Image © Asia Financial Center
