Technical aspects of the Reichstag
Technical aspects of the Reichstag
Materials
- Material was very important in realising the Reichstag as a symbol of unificiation. Glass is highly important in this scheme as it shows and reminds politicians and the public that the democratic system is fragile which is reflected in the extensive use of this material.
- Allowing the public to view down into the parlimentary chamber allowed the scheme to show the open democracy, and remind the politicians of who they are working for and representing, and the public to feel as if they are spectating upon political deliberation.
- At night the cupola becomes a beacon and signals the strength of the German democratic process as it shines light up into the sky.
- Without glass being used so extensively in this scheme, this symbol of unification and open democracy would not have been possible.
Environmental strategy
- The scheme includes a rigorous environmental agenda which allows the building to perform as a power station for the new government quarter. The energy strategy is radical, it uses renewable bio-fuel which when burned in a cogenerator to produce electricity is far cleaner than fossil fuels. The result is a 94% reduction in carbon dioxide emmissions.
- Surplus heat is stored as hot water in an aquifier 300m. below ground, the water can be pumped up to heat the building or to drive an absorption cooling plant to produce chilled water. This, similarly can be stored below ground.
- The Reichstag's cupola is crucial to it's lighting and ventialtion strategies. At its core a light sculptor reflects light into the chamber, with a moveable sun-shield blocking sola gain and glare. As night falls this is reversed and the cupola becomes a beacon.
- The buidling contains a clever ventilation streategy, fresh air is drawn in through an opening on the west facade, from which prevailing winds across the Tiergarten travel. Air intake is conducted through large ducts in the space below the debating chamber. The air then travels through perforated mesh floor and the loose weave carpet acts as a filter. The air is then warmed by body heat and artificial lighting and then rises up through the chamber, into the funnel shaped cone, rises to the top of the cone and escapes throught the 80m diameter opening in the cupola. The cupola is fitted with a wind spoiler to encourage wind flow across it to facilitate extraction.
The Reichstag is setting an example of environemtally freindly attitudes in terms of cutting carbon emissions, using extensive natural lighting, natural ventilation and natural heating and cooling systems as much as possible.