MO(O)D A Prototype for an office building

“Promoting Green Building at the Age of Quality”: This is the purpose of the 1st International Sustainable Building Design Competition promoted by China Building Materials Academy. In China, the development of green and sustainable buildings is increasingly focused on the living environment, and improving empathetic relationships between man and nature in modern and digital worlds. SOS believes that economy, applicability and beauty should be the drivers to achieve near-zero carbon emission buildings. In order to achieve this, the choice of renewable energies, new materials and new technologies in accordance with the local climate are all key factors for consideration when faced with creating a new green architectural proposal. Th school aims to develop a model which is able to adapt and change throughout the duration of its lifespan. The proposal will also respond to the need for resilience in the tumultuous climates of the future. It has been driven by an accurate analysis of climate trends, and is based on deep research into innovative and sustainable building materials, the local cultural environment, and the future of the workplace. In addition to the proposal’s environmental aspects, this project aims to consider employee wellbeing and workplace satisfaction. The workplace is constantly changing worldwide, and China is no exception. Despite a large proportion of the Chinese people reporting that they feel satisfied and engaged in their workplaces, contact with the natural environment, movement within office spaces, connection with colleagues, and accessible areas for relaxation and focus, are all lacking. (Steelcase Global Report - Relation between Engagement and the Global Workplace, 2016). In this proposal, meeting rooms and workplaces are supported by a constellation of open, flexible and multi-functional spaces which become the core of wellbeing and productivity. Our proposal creates a hybrid environment, where meeting rooms and work stations constitute only 30% of the masterplan. In contrast, 70% of the space is dedicated to breaking away from one’s station. The final product is a synthesis of tradition and technology, with its form shaped by the local environment and needs of the population.