New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 30/12 | Page 125

Preceding pages:Work in the
Ecodome includes research on
urban aquaponics and indoor
crop plants as well as a clean
energy lab. A wing of the
residence hall runs behind the
greenhouse with some lucky
students having dormitory
windows opening into the dome.
Left:Running the numbers –
glass floorplates allow students
to see the underground
geothermal system in operation.
Changes in water temperature
are on constant display.

In terms of green building alone the LEED
Gold-rated design is an object lesson for students.
Before the facility went up, a geothermal system
was laid down. Ninety-one wells plunge water to
a depth of 152m to be heated or cooled by the
earth’s ambient temperature and sent back to the
surface for energy reuse within the institute. This is
not only the largest geothermal field of its kind in
Chicago, it is also unusual for being directly under
the floors of the academic structure – a placement
made necessary by the tight urban location. Glass
floor panels allow students to see this eco-friendly

strategy in operation first hand. Running LCD displays show the water’s temperature as it descends
and surfaces.
The Ecodome, looking a little like a giant’s glass
roll-top desk, is shaped to optimise passive ventilation – rising hot air is drawn out of the top of the
greenhouse, while computer-controlled vents allow
cooler air to enter from below. This helps air flow
through the space without mechanical assistance.
The otherwise inoperable curving facade is also
designed to maximise solar gain and collect and
channel rainwater, as do the green roofs on the

Right:The institute café will
serve produce grown in the
wintergarden, or Ecodome, next
door.
Lower right:The student
commons and café are partly
within the Ecodome to offset
heating costs and provide an
immersive experience.

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