Pushkinsky Theatre / Cinematic Wind Cube

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Pushkinsky Theatre / Cinematic Wind Cube

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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 building's 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 theoscillation 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 building's 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!