BioSkin Keeps Buildings—and Cities—Cool

BioSkin Keeps Buildings—and Cities—Cool
Jul-24-14
Inspired by traditional Japanese air-cooling systems, BioSkin could help to alleviate the urban heat island effect caused by the heavy concentration of concrete and bitumen in today's cities.

The BioSkin façade incorporates Japanese-inspired water-spraying and bamboo blind elements into its design, and was created with the goal of improving local environments by using today's large architecture. The system works by gathering rainwater from the roof, filtering and sterilizing it, and then pumping the water through a network of porous pipes. As the water is sprayed and evaporates, it cools the surface of the pipes—and the surrounding air—while also watering soil below. For additional cooling, solar panels attached to the south side of the building also function as shade. According to the developers, the BioSkin can lower the air temperature surrounding a building by as much as 36° F.

The first BioSkin system was installed on 25-story NBF Osaki Building in 2011, and it was the building's ability to affect the micro-climate that won it the Innovation Award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in early July.

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[NIKKEN.CO]
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