Green Ground Zero competition chooses WTC design
CitNet co-sponsors competition
By Gail Karlsson, CitNet NYC Regioner
In New York City, CitNet has joined with other organizations in promoting
the incorporation of sustainable development principles into the rebuilding
of lower Manhattan. By meeting rigorous standards for energy efficiency,
waste management, and water use, and adopting new systems for transportation
of people and goods, the highly visible buildings and infrastructure
in the World Trade Center area can showcase politically important concepts
of excellence in sustainable urban design and construction.
One
of the projects CitNet helped support was a sustainable design competition
sponsored by a non-profit group called Green Ground Zero. The goal of
the competition was to present innovative proposals that would encourage
lively debate about environmental issues and the quality of life in
lower Manhattan. Over 25 entries were displayed in an exhibition at
New Yorkâ?Ts Municipal Art Society.
Designs submitted for the Green Ground Zero competition included several
types of greenways, parks and green rooftops, a pumped hydroelectric
energy system, a robotic underground system for delivering goods, a
sidewalk producing electricity using pedestrian power, constructed wetlands,
and a plan for a World Environmental Center.
The
overall winner of the competition was a design for a high-rise building
covered by a double skin façade that would be integrated with the heating
and cooling system to optimize natural lighting and ventilation. The
outside skin would create semi-outdoor space for gatherings and sky
gardens, and use photovoltaic panels to collect solar energy for producing
electricity. Rain harvesting would provide water for the gardens.
The opportunities for public input in the planning process for rebuilding
lower Manhattan have allowed sustainability advocates to promote high
environmental standards for new buildings and transportation facilities.
The Green Ground Zero competition is only one part of that ongoing activity.
CitNet has been compiling citizensâ?T suggestions for sustainability
on the New York City regional section
of the CitNet website and would welcome additional input.