Environmental Planning and Evaluation of Office with Funnel Shaped Void

This paper shows the environmental planning and evaluation of an office with a funnel shaped void which was constructed in 2012 in Osaka, Japan. The design theme of this pharmaceutical company's office building was “an office for a healthy future”- architecture that is healthy for both the global environment and users. The design aimed at creating an office building with low energy consumption that makes maximum use of natural conditions. An open-air atrium stretching from the first basement level to the roof was provided in the center of the building. The building is also provided with greenery on upper floors, mist spraying equipment, natural ventilation windows, a terrace for relaxation, etc. in an effort to reduce energy consumption and create a healthy and appealing environment. This paper first explains the design conditions and concept of this office building, and then discusses the design approaches. Lastly, it evaluates the effect on the basis of the actual measurement data. The introduction of energy-saving technology achieved a significant reduction of the primary energy and CO2 emissions throughout the building.