The Two Hundred Year Great-Leap in Architecture
Architecture Advances Technology
For American cities to regain their former prominence, the outdated structures within them must be replaced. This revitalization is essential for attracting residents and industries alike, ensuring that cities can provide a level of comfort and security comparable to that of suburban areas.
Over the past century, buildings have experienced incremental technological advancements, starting with the invention of the elevator and later the thermostat. The next significant leap in architecture is currently in progress, marking an evolution that aligns with the emerging decentralized world.
The modern thermostat, which is used for controlling heating and cooling systems in buildings, was invented by Warren S. Johnson in 1883.
Johnson, an American inventor and entrepreneur, conceived the inaugural electric room thermostat during his involvement in devising a temperature control system for a school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This groundbreaking invention enabled more accurate regulation of indoor temperatures and laid the foundation for the evolution of contemporary HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems.
https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/ which became a major player in the HVAC industry.
Besides Warren S. Johnson's thermostat, another pivotal invention that significantly influenced architecture and the constructed surroundings is credited to Elisha Otis, also an American inventor and entrepreneur.
Elisha Otis gained renown for creating the safety elevator in 1852, introducing a mechanism that prevented the elevator from plummeting in the event of a hoisting cable failure. This innovation marked a crucial advancement as it tackled a major safety issue associated with earlier elevator designs.
Otis's safety elevator laid the foundation for the development of modern passenger elevators, which are essential in tall buildings and skyscrapers. In addition to revolutionizing vertical transportation, his invention contributed to the construction of taller and more efficient buildings in urban areas.
With regard to the 21st century, OpDes Architecture has been focused on the integration of our current technologies for the development of our Smart Buildings.
The heart of our Smart Buildings is its BMS (Building Management System), also known as BACnet systems.
BACnet https://bacnet.org/ is an extensively-used open communication protocol specifically developed for building automation and control systems. BACnet was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and is an ANSI and ISO standard.efrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and is an ANSI and ISO standard.
BACnet is designed to facilitate communication among diverse building automation and control devices and systems, encompassing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, lighting controls, access control systems, and beyond. This communication is established without regard to the manufacturer or type of equipment, fostering interoperability and integration among different building systems. This capability simplifies the management and control of various building functions.
Overall, BACnet plays a crucial role in modern building automation and smart building solutions, enabling efficient and integrated control of various building systems for improved energy efficiency, comfort, and security.
However, the next generation BACnet will entail HMI (Human Machine Interface) beyond that which is used today. This will enable a virtual interface, with machine learning capabilities. In addition, Blockchain/DLT technologies can provide a robust and secure system which can also enable Proof of Work support as a supplement to excess sustainable energy generation.
The NexGen Smart Buildings that we are designing today will shape the Smart Cities of tomorrow. With the integration of automation, virtual reality, robotics, and other yet-to-be-released technologies, our buildings will become decentralized, fragile-proof, self-sustaining eco systems.
Moreover, with automation, NexGen Smart Buildings will have zero human maintenance and self-cleaning capabilities, and aerodynamic profile improvement modifications.
OpDes Architecture has spent several years developing Cobra (TX-IV). It is a mixed-use, adaptable Residential + Commercial High-rise intended to provide both high density and spacious consideration within an ultra-modern system powered by SGET (Self Generating Energy Technologies). Its most compelling feature is the fact that it is an energy-independent system that provides surplus energy exceeding the high usage demands of its occupants.
The unique design of Cobra is the development of systems that maximize the quality of life for its occupants whilst meeting the complex programmatic needs of its “living” systems. Encompassing a multitude of amenities with interior spaces, it is designed to be adaptable with a customizable cellular system to maximize the flexibility of its versatile program. Built completely from the ground up to be energy-independent, Cobra was created to perform and win in regions with consistent wind vectors throughout the year.
Significantly, the inspiration for Cobra's design is rooted in the symbolic characteristics of a cobra in repose. The concept originates from a vision aimed at crafting a slender aerodynamic profile that effectively addresses the wind conditions of the site while ensuring a sufficiently spacious floor plate area to maintain economic viability. This design is formulated based on OpDes Architecture’s modeling system and design methodology, which has significantly bolstered its overall design and development phase, facilitating seamless integration and coordination of mechanical and electrical systems.
Cobra is specifically tailored to operate in designated climatic zones with moderate wind speeds, with the intention of tapping into consistent wind patterns. The foundational massing geometry is shaped aerodynamically, emphasizing airflow and enhancing the wind operating efficiency of the entire facility. It is particularly well-suited for moderately populated areas in both coastal and inland regions.
Top of Form
Cobra is primarily a steel and concrete structure with an adaptive exoskeleton that helps increase the net-to-gross ratio of modern interior spaces
Systems and Technologies:
Proprietary
Specifications:
Height - 596 ft
Floors - 49
Green Gross Area - 182,764 ft^2
Residential Gross Area - 24,116,964 ft^2
Retail Gross Area - 656,207 ft^2
OpDes Architecture specializes in designing Smart Buildings.
Smart Buildings are the newest types of building to come into existence since the last industrial revolution. The 21st century's industrial revolution has arrived, with an emphasis on a decentralized world, our Smart Buildings are bringing a better way of living to people and cities around the globe.
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