CWC / Cinematic Wind Cube

Pushkinsky Theater
Changing the Face Architectural competition 2011
Launched by Architizer with the co-organisation of DuPont

CWC - Cinematic Wind Cube

In today’s world of climate change and complex energy problems, it is critical that buildings cooperate with the environment. In this approach, wind interacts with the buildings new façade in order to transform wind power into electrical energy. Automated movable fins, consisting of corian panels have been used in the two lateral façades. The new shell that encloses the existing building and extends to the front access staircase, incorporates a wind catching mechanism. Wind power is transformed into electricity using the Humdinger Windbelt technology which consists of oscillatory wind generators working on the principal of aerolastic flutter.This additional energy harvesting shell provides a subtle movement to the building in two ways. Firstly, trough the oscillation of the tensioned membranes fixed between the fins, which gives the façade a throbbing movement. Secondly trough the mechanically rotation of the fins, in order to push the wind blowing in various directions through the belts. When the wind blows vertical towards the lateral façade, the fins are not rotating. In this case the building gives an impression of monumentality, as a solid volume that seems to balance on a glass base.The front façade is equipped with a media wall. LEDs are embedded in the rear of the white Corian wall. When switched on the LEDs shine through the wall and change it from an architectural object to a cinematic surface. The screen is provided with energy from the photovoltaic panels on the buildings roof. A steel mesh with round, solar lights is installed between the building and the media façade, in order to provide playful light to the main entrance at night.
The existing glass parts of the building are retrofitted with high performance Sentry Glass. An aluminium skin in a shape of a wedge encloses the old building. Alesta Eco Coating gives the building a white glow. This way the old building can be seen though the new shell, like a white glowing core. On the front, the main entrance disappears behind the flying shell. So, walking the stairs you are given the impression entering another world, the movie world!