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Architect David Fisher’s proposals for the construction of Dynamic Tower include the use of prefabrication for most of the build.

MEP in motion

One of the major questions that the Dynamic Tower project immediately raises is just how will the building function? In addition to installing MEP systems to supply the building occupants with services such as power, water and drainage, systems will also be needed to ensure the rotation of the floors.

Details of how this will be achieved have not been revealed, with Fisher only willing to state that the challenge of designing the MEP services systems will be overcome "through the use of technologies already developed in other fields".

All central core engineering systems will be connected to the rotating parts of the floors, the developer reports. New York-based MEP consultant LEHR has reportedly been appointed to the project engineering team, but remained unavailable for comment at the time of going to print.

In terms of the rotation of floors, drive and control system specialist Bosch Rexroth has been named as the party responsible for the engineering and manufacturing of all systems related to the mechanics of the revolving floors.

This includes the interface between the MEP systems and the floor as well as a specially designed control system to sychronise the drives. Up to 20 Rexroth drives would be needed to move each prefabricated floor of the building around the central axis according to initial reports.

Green thinking

Sustainable design is another feature of the proposed building reports Fisher, with renewable energy sources intended to be the primary source of power.

"The Dynamic Tower is environmentally friendly and the first building designed to be self-powered, with the ability to generate its own electricity as well as that needed for other nearby buildings," claims Fisher.

"It achieves this feat with wind turbines fitted between each rotating floor: an 80-story building will have up to 79 wind turbines, making it a true green power plant," he adds.

The initial project designs unveiled include horizontally-mounted wind turbines between each of the building's storeys. The carbon fibre turbine blades will be specially manufactured for the project according to initial reports.

The efficiency of the system and effect on the overall project price have yet to be released. Additional plans involve the inclusion of photovoltaic cells on the roof of each rotating floor.

To further improve the energy efficient operation of the project, insulated glass and structural panels will be used for the build reports Fisher.

With Fisher stating a 22-month construction schedule for the project and a completion date of 2010, the feasibility of providing MEP services for a rotating building will soon become evident. The industry will watch and wait to see.

RELATED LINKS: Renewed thinking

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