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True North wind tower
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Lux Nova art glass
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| Regent College, UBC, Vancouver | |
The Stained Glass
The Full Window
The wind tower art glass installation complements the dynamic lines of the tower, and acts as a visible expression of Regent College’s spiritual mission. The south-facing façade will collect solar energy during the day, and use this energy for illumination at night, acting as a welcoming beacon for the UBC community.
At the heart of the design is a majestic column of light, flowing like a waterfall in silvery blues, violet and white. Arranged within this column is dichroic glass which presents an ever-changing rainbow of colour to the viewer. Woven within and through the flowing waterfall of light is the Lord’s Prayer, written in Aramaic.
Clive Grout was the architect for the original Regent College building and is continuing the development of the original vision for the Regent community with the design of the new library and park. Clive has a commitment to introducing artwork into his projects as an integral component of the overall design. This has been most successfully demonstrated recently with his work as architect of the international terminal at Vancouver International Airport. The celebration and integration of Northwest Coast Aboriginal art within the airport is recognized world wide as a most sophisticated and distinctive integration of building and art. Clive is currently the President of the YVR Art Foundation. His wind tower for Regent College will feature North America’s first photovoltaic art glass installation by internationally recognized glass artist Sarah Hall.
The Wind Tower
The mechanical system of the Regent College Library is based on the concept of a radiant heating and cooling system installed within the concrete structure forming the ceiling of the library. Tempered fresh air is introduced at low velocities to the library through a series of floor diffusers with natural ventilation exhausting the air through a 30” high “wind tower” located on the roof in the centre of the library.
Natural ventilation will be achieved by making use of the natural pressure differences surrounding the building, caused by the wind and stack effect. Air movement within the building will depend on buoyance (thermal forces), stack and wind pressures.
The aerodynamically designed wind tower will provide natural ventilation, reduce fan power requirements and increase the energy efficiency of the mechanical systems. As the wind flows along the top of the wind tower, negative pressure is produced at the wind tower outlets which pull air through the building.
Wind towers have historically been used in indigenous structures in the Middle East and other temperate climates and are now being introduced within contemporary buildings as part of the commitment to more energy efficient and sustainable developments.
Dr. Rod Wilson & Sarah Hall
DOWNLOADS
Complete Press Kit: A full, 11-page document of the project in detail.
Of Light, Enlightenment and Innovation
Ursula Franklin's reflections on Sarah Hall’s New Installation at Regent College, UBC.
Work in Progress
for North America’s First Photovoltaic Art Glass.
In Partnership with the Sun
An article about the photovoltaic project at Regent College.
Pioneering UBC Windows Provide Solar Energy
A New Partnership With The Sun Begins September 29, 2007.
