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Healthy and dynamic indoor environment

A building that contributes to the health and well-being of the user as well as being more energy efficient requires a different view of the indoor climate. Since the 1970s, we have been striving to save energy. However, energy use per person continues to rise and does not lead to healthier or more productive users. We believe that this is due to the static, stable indoor climate. This does not encourage health or productivity and, no matter how efficient, always costs more energy than ‘laissez faire’. ABT are all for dynamic indoor climates appropriate to user needs at a specific place and time.

Different needs

Depending on the function of a building, there are different needs. There are diverse activities in offices, in a museum a visitor may stand and look at a painting, a nurse may be walking back and forth a lot while a patient lies still in bed. One constant indoor climate is not sufficient and requires unnecessary energy.

Smart schemes

ABT designs seemingly simple, intelligent climate systems that respond to the needs of the user, in a given location. For an office, these can be different climate zones to suit different needs. Local air-conditioning is an interesting option for rooms with objects or people who move little or not at all.

A dynamic climate makes for a healthy living environment. More stimulation of our senses and a variation of building physical aspects (light, temperature, air, sound) activates the human body and improves resistance to disease. Moreover, a dynamic climate better matches outside temperatures, resulting in lower energy consumption than conventional control. So, a temperature bandwidth instead of a set point is healthier as well as more sustainable.

Facade makes the difference

We can achieve a dynamic living environment with smart controls, but it starts with integral façade design. To us the façade is not a barrier between inside and outside, but a connecting element for using natural forces and passive principles.

Our strategies regarding health and wellness align with the themes within the WELL Building Standard. We have experience with this methodology and certification to make health and wellness measurable.

 

Image header Depot Boijmans van Beuningen: © Iris van den Broek

Projects

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Amsterdam Court

Amsterdam Court

The new court in Amsterdam merges three worlds, which at the same time are to operate strictly separated: the judiciary, the detainees and the visitors. As partner of consortium NACH (New Amsterdam Court House), ABT signed on to design, build, finance, maintain and operate this imposing building on Parnassusweg in Amsterdam. It takes partnership to build an icon!

Science Campus phase 2A – Gorlaeus building Leiden University

Science Campus phase 2A – Gorlaeus building Leiden University

An inspiring building on the Science Campus where students and teachers feel comfortable and at ease. That is the Gorlaeus building at the Leiden Bio Science Park. The building of Leiden University has now been expanded with a new section, Science Campus phase 2A.

Transformation Earth Simulation Lab (ESL)

Transformation Earth Simulation Lab (ESL)

ABT was involved in the unique transformation of the Earth Simulation Lab (ESL). Designed by the ABT & Barcode Architects team, the ESL, part of the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University, represents a large-scale renovation of the Robert J. van de Graaff Laboratory at Utrecht Science Park. The building brings together previously dispersed research groups from the faculty into a single location.

World Trade Center Utrecht

World Trade Center Utrecht

With the completion of the new World Trade Center (WTC), the skyline of Utrecht has been further expanded. A large-scale redevelopment of the station area created space for a WTC at the renewed Jaarbeursplein, right next to Utrecht Central Station. ABT was involved as a structural engineer in this showpiece in the heart of the city.

Erasmus Medisch Centrum

Erasmus Medisch Centrum

For more than 8 years, extensive efforts have been made on the new state-of-the-art university hospital with an area of 207,000 m². On the site of the existing hospital, a completely new Erasmus MC has been realized where care, research, and education come together. ABT worked as the technical designer on behalf of EGM architects bv and was responsible for construction management.