The Crystal

MIXED USE ARCHITECTURE

•LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The
TEAM
Crystal
5 Mena fawzy
Under supervision
Prof / Sherif EL Banany Mena Mohamed Hassan
Prof / Rania Fouad Mena Mohamed Snosy
Eng / Momen Hassan Manner Ahmed
Doha Medhat Sayed
Doha Mohamed
Mariam Khaled
Ahmed Farag
Mona Mohamed
Safiya Ahmed
Mohamed Omar
Basma Atta
Sama Mohamed
Mayan Khaled
Salma Khaled

TEAM 5
 The Crystal London pros
first building in the world to reach both
BREEAM® Outstanding and LEED®
Platinum status. Sophisticated and
integrated active and passive design
elements make it one of the most
sustainable buildings in the world

1-Innovative Design: The building is 2-Sustainability Focus: The Crystal is a 3-Educational Resources: It offers
architecturally striking, featuring a leader in showcasing sustainable interactive exhibits and educational
unique glass façade that not only technologies and smart city solutions, programs that promote awareness of
looks modern but also maximizes making it an excellent resource for sustainable living, environmental
natural light and energy efficiency. individuals and organizations interested challenges, and innovative solutions.
in environmental issues.
 The Crystal London pros

4-Accessibility: Located in 5-Events and Networking: The 6-Green Technologies: It

the Royal Docks area, The Crystal hosts various events, showcases various green
Crystal is accessible via workshops, and conferences, technologies, including renewable
public transport, making it providing networking opportunities energy sources like solar panels,
for professionals interested in urban which contribute to reducing
easy to visit for both locals
planning, sustainability, and greenhouse gas emissions.
and tourists.
technology.

7-Water Conservation: The Crystal employs 8-Energy Efficiency: The Crystal’s design prioritizes
water-efficient systems and features that energy efficiency through natural lighting and
promote conservation, such as rainwater passive solar design, which reduces reliance on
harvesting and greywater recycling. artificial lighting and lowers energy consumption.
1-site plan
2-The Crystal Energy Systems

CO: emissions for the siemens offices are 70%

lower than in the average office in london

The Crystal is a 100% electric building

2-The Crystal Energy Systems
3-Building structure

5
3-Building structure

Glass- Cladding
Self shading facades use high
performance solar glass which allows
around 70% of visible every space in
the building has access to natural
daylight, meaning minimal artificial
light is needed

Steel Structure Framework

Structurally elegant that minimized the
amount of material and optimized
construction time by prefabrication and
modularization as much as possible
3-landscape design
Project land analysis
The Crystal London cons
②
-Smart
The Crystal London, while recognized for its innovative and sustainable design, technology
also has some drawbacks and potential negative impacts on the environment: -Glass cladding
1. Resource Intensive Construction: The initial construction of such a large-scale -Steel framed
-foundation
project often requires significant resources, which can lead to environmental
degradation, including habitat destruction and increased carbon emissions.
2. 2. Energy Use: Although the building is designed to be energy-efficient, the
construction process itself can be energy-intensive, and any operational
energy consumption must continually be balanced against its eco-friendly
goals.
3. 3. Maintenance and Operational Impact: Over time, the maintenance of green
technologies (like solar panels and green roofs) can be resource-intensive. If ⑦
not managed properly, they can lead to additional environmental impacts Water
4. .4. Land Use: The Crystal occupies valuable land that could potentially be Usage
used for other purposes, such as green spaces or community gardens, which
could provide better ecological benefits.
5. 5. Accessibility and Location: Depending on its location, the building's design
can impact local traffic patterns and contribute to urban congestion, affecting
air quality and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. . Material Sourcing: If materials used in construction are not sourced
sustainably, it can lead to environmental issues such as deforestation and
pollution.
7. Water Usage: While the building may incorporate water-saving features, its
construction and subsequent operations still draw on local water resources,
which can strain local ecosystems, especially in areas facing water scarcity.
While The Crystal London emphasizes sustainability, these negatives highlight ⑥
Water
the importance of a holistic approach to environmental impact and Usage
sustainability within architecture.
The Crystal London cons
④
ConclusionThe Crystal in London, while recognized for its innovative ②
sustainable design, does have certain drawbacks that are worth noting.
These disadvantages include high operational costs, challenges in rainwater
management, potential issues with indoor climate control, and limited
accessibility for visitors. Understanding these limitations can help provide a
balanced view of this notable structure.
Rainwater Management
Challenges
1. High Operational Costs One of the significant disadvantages of The
Crystal is its high operational costs associated with maintaining its
advanced technologies. Despite being a model of sustainability, the Limited Accessibility The Crystal's
expenses related to energy management and technological upkeep can ④ location
be considerable.

2. 2. Rainwater Management Challenges The building's rainwater collection

and management system, though innovative, has faced challenges.
Issues can arise in effectively recycling and utilizing harvested rainwater,
which can impact overall water efficiency and sustainability goals.

3. 3. Indoor Climate Control Issues Another concern pertains to the

building's ability to maintain comfortable indoor conditions year-round.
The natural ventilation system may not always effectively manage
temperature fluctuations during extreme weather, leading to discomfort
for occupants.
Limited Accessibility The Crystal's
4. 4. Limited Accessibility The Crystal's location and design may pose location
accessibility issues for some visitors. Individuals with disabilities may
find it difficult to navigate the site, which can detract from the inclusivity
that the building aims to promote.
The Crystal London cons
Addressing the negatives associated with the Crystal London and similar sustainable
architecture projects involves implementing a range of solutions :
1. *Sustainable Construction Practices*:
- Use recycled or locally sourced materials to reduce the environmental
impact of transportation and resource extraction.
- Implement green building practices, such as minimizing waste during
construction and using low-impact foundation techniques.

2. *Renewable Energy Use*:

- Maximize the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, or
geothermal energy, to offset energy consumption during construction and
operation.
- Incorporate energy-efficient technologies and systems that minimize long-
term energy use.

3. *Lifecycle Assessment*:
- Conduct a comprehensive lifecycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the
environmental impact of materials and building systems from extraction
through disposal, ensuring sustainable choices at every stage.

4. *Sustainable Water Management*:

- Implement rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling to
minimize freshwater use and reduce demand on local water resources.
- Design landscaping with drought-resistant plants and native vegetation
to reduce the need for irrigation.
The Crystal London cons
5. *Transportation Planning*:
- Encourage sustainable transportation options by providing access to
public transit, bike storage, and electric vehicle charging stations to
reduce reliance on personal vehicles.
- Design walkable environments around the building to enhance
accessibility and promote pedestrian use.

6. *Community Engagement and Green Space*:

- Incorporate green spaces, such as parks or community gardens, within and
around the building to foster biodiversity and enhance local ecosystems.
- Engage with local communities in the planning and design processes to
ensure the building serves their needs while promoting environmental
stewardship.

7. *Regular Maintenance and Performance Monitoring*:

- Establish a plan for regular maintenance of environmental technologies to ensure
they operate at peak efficiency and do not become resource-intensive over time.
- Monitor and evaluate the building's performance continuously, using real data to
inform improvements and further innovations.

By proactively addressing these issues, buildings like the Crystal London can enhance
their sustainability credentials and minimize their negative environmental impacts
while maximizing advantages for the community and ecosystems.
Rating LEED of the crystal