Contradiction in Terms Dept.: a LEED Certified Spaceport
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 09. 5.07
Foster+Partners have won the competition to build the world's first private spaceport in New Mexico. Tourists and passengers will drive into the middle of the desert, where Richard Branson and others will literally burn rubber, mixed with nitrous oxide, to fire people into space for seven minutes at $ 200,000 a pop.
And guess what? It is designed to be LEED Platinum. To be "both sustainable and sensitive to its surroundings." What an oxymoronic gesture. Next thing you know we will have LEED certified coal fired power plants.
"Designed to have minimal embodied carbon and few additional energy requirements, the scheme has been designed to achieve the prestigious LEED Platinum accreditation. The low-lying form is dug into the landscape to exploit the thermal mass, which buffers the building from the extremes of the New Mexico climate as well as catching the westerly winds for ventilation. Natural light enters via skylights, with a glazed façade reserved for the terminal building, establishing a platform for the coveted views onto the runway."
Lord Foster said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be part of the dynamic team chosen to design the world’s first space terminal. This technically complex building will not only provide a dramatic experience for the astronauts and visitors, but will set an ecologically sound model for future Spaceport facilities.” ::Dezeen
The winning team comprises URS, Foster + Partners, SMPC Architects, PHA Consult, Balis and Company and Exploration-Synthesis Partners.
SPACEPORT AMERICA DESIGN UNVEILED
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
LAS CRUCES, NM – A team of U.S. and British architects and designers, accompanied by officials from the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) and Virgin Galactic, will unveil the design renderings of Spaceport America at a press conference Tuesday, September 4, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Construction on the 100,000 square-foot hangar and terminal facility is scheduled to begin in 2008.
The design is from a U.S.-British team, consisting of URS Corporation and Foster + Partners. They created a low-lying, striking design that uses natural earth as a berm, and relies on passive energy for heating and cooling, with photovoltaic panels for electricity and water recycling capabilities. A rolling concrete shell acts as a roof with massive windows opening to a stunning view of the runway and spacecraft.
A prominent United Kingdom architectural firm, Foster + Partners has extensive experience in designing airport buildings. They are well known for constructing many high-profile, high-tech glass and steel buildings worldwide. Company founder Lord Foster said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be part of the dynamic team chosen to design the world’s first space terminal. This technically complex building will not only provide a dramatic experience for the astronauts and visitors, but will set an ecologically sound model for future Spaceport facilities.”
The world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport is designed to convey the thrill of space travel while making a minimal impact on the environment. The low-lying, organic shape resembles a rise in the landscape, and will use local materials and regional construction techniques. A careful balance between accessibility and privacy is achieved, as visitors and astronauts enter the building through a deep channel cut in the landscape. The walls will form an exhibition area leading to a galleried level above the hangar that houses the spacecraft and on through to the terminal building. Natural light enters via skylights, with a glazed façade reserved for the terminal building, establishing a platform for spectacular views onto the runway.
Kelly O’Donnell, Chair of the NMSA, is pleased with the design of the hangar and terminal facility. “The design created by the URS/Foster team is outstanding in the way it blends in with the environment, creating a shape that is both distinctive and functional while complementing the landscape,” O’Donnell said.
Working together with Foster + Partners on the project, URS Corporation is one the largest engineering and design firms in the world, and a prominent contractor for the United States government. With offices in the Americas, Asia-Pacific region, and Europe, URS is a full-service, global organization providing architectural and design services in 20 nations. “The URS team is very pleased to have been selected for this breakthrough project,” said Jens Deichmann, vice president of URS Corporation. “Our team of New Mexico, regional, and international talent is excited to help the State of New Mexico and Virgin Galactic advance their goals of commercial space travel and scientific and engineering education.” Designed to have minimal embodied carbon and few additional energy requirements, the spaceport has been planned to achieve the prestigious LEED Platinum accreditation. The low-lying form is dug into the landscape to exploit the thermal mass, which buffers the building from the extremes of the New Mexico climate as well as catching the westerly winds for ventilation.
The terminal and hangar facility are projected to cost about $31 million, and will provide a destination experience for visitors to Spaceport America. It will include Virgin Galactic’s pre-flight and post-flight training facilities and lounges, as well as the maintenance hangar for two White Knight 2 and five Spaceship 2 aircraft. The building will also be home to the NMSA, and provide a destination experience for visitors.
Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Galactic said, “I am delighted that New Mexico has chosen this excellent team to design Spaceport America. Their track record is exciting enough, but the vision for the world’s first purpose-built private spaceport is truly out of this world.” Looking to the future, Branson said, “Next year will see the first test flights of Spaceship 2 and it is fantastic that we will now have a permanent home to go to, which will be every bit as inspiring for the astronauts of the future as Burt Rutan’s groundbreaking technology.”
NMSA is currently finalizing contract negotiations with URS and Foster + Partners. The team will then begin working with the NMSA and Virgin Galactic to finalize the design of the facility, and the NMSA expects to put the construction of the facility out for bids in the first half of 2008. Meanwhile, the other elements of the spaceport, including roadways, runway, security, water, power and communication systems, are currently being designed by DMJM: AECOM and will be put out for construction bids later this year. Construction of Spaceport America will begin in 2008, immediately after the FAA issues the site operator’s license to the NMSA. Completion is expected in late 2009 or early 2010.
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Build a Green-Roofed Dog Veranda
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We Can't Make This Stuff Up Dept: Recycled Airplane Trolley Kitchen Cart
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A LEED certified coal-fired power plant isn't such a bad idea, now that you mention it...
Ok, you lost me here. You are complaining about a structure being built that is going to have an 80%+ LEED rating? Something that is going to work towards the privatization of space and hopefully the reduction of costs to put things in orbit, like say, observation, communication, and weather satelites? They are going to build a spaceport, like it or not, they are trying to embrace the whole 'green' effort, and yet you take issue with it?
-Lego
LEED certifies the building and its construction process, not exactly the activity inside the building.
Yair
Oh good, cuz we really need to go to space. Especially after such environmentally destructive entertainment.
Do they really expect a crowd like they've pictured, walking along a wall of history under the New Mexico sun? Someone is living in dreamland. (or sneaking a little nitrous oxide on the side)
Secondly, I notice the picture showing air flowing through all the rooms in a zig-zag pattern. Surely, as engineers, they know that air currents resist turning corners.
I love waking up to these articles. Lloyd points out an interesting phenomenon: when you can't green the activity, at least green the building and shift your focus on the green building. As an example, think about every car manufacturer in the country - GM, Ford, Subaru, etc. They have green facilities, but they can't quite make the cars use less gas now can they. I think Lloyd is just adding some perspective - don't conflate the green building with the non-green activity.
Yes. While the emissions from SpaceShip 2 itself will be dirty, I think that we need to take a broader perspective on this. Branson has the vision and the consciousness that we as a society need to do better and live cleaner and greener. He is investing his wealth in areas that he believes can make a positive impact to more sustainable commerce. It is unreasonable to expect humanity to voluntarily go back to pre-industrial living standards, even though many among us tree-huggers seem to almost want that. Even if it happens by violent or wholly disruptive means.
Consider this for a moment. Who will be able to afford these $200,000 orbital flights? Well, the wealthy and "dreamers" who are likely to leverage to the hilt for this opportunity. Of those wealthy travelers who may be seeking an "entertainment" thrill, they may actually get more than expected. Once they view that fragile blue ball from orbit, they may be inspired to come back to Earth and use their resources to help protect and preserve our beautiful and precious home. These wealthy travelers are likely to be corporate executives, investment bankers, philanthropists and other old money scions. You know, the people who are in positions of power to make things happen.
Additionally, if we are to assume the worst-case, doom and gloom scenario of the Earth and Humanity's future, isn't this project a good start to commercial and private access to space. While these will be mere paddle boats at this level, it's good to see these first baby steps towards humanity's growth in space exploration. If the doom and gloom scenario is to be played out, we very well need lifeboats to bail off of lifeship Earth one day.
Two articles back you were praising the WIRED luxury home at 4,000 square feet for one family. Now a LEED-certified, low-profile spaceport, built by someone with a commitment to keeping the world moving positively and soundly forward, is unveiled and it is moronic?
I'm lost on what idea of sustainability is being put forth here. Unless this is just a lousy morning, which I understand.
LA: If you look at my original post on the Wired house I was very clear that a 4 million dollar house is not something that we agreed with. And I called the spaceport oxymoronic, not moronic. And it is a lousy morning.
I agree fully with Llyod. Although LEED is a great start to identifying and quantifying lower environmental impact, these 2 examples point out one of many weaknesses in the system - in the case of the space port, a lack of consideration of appropriateness of use (no space port should be able to achieve LEED status) and in the case of the 4,000 sf single family house, a lack of consideration of space efficiency for the use (great, a LEED platinum 4,000 sf house - what an achievement). Branson is an interesting individual, and I credit him for some of his initiatives, but I'm sorry, you do not need to get fired into space for a personal view of the blue planet to gain awareness - pick up a book, or go for a walk in the woods. Branson could turn his energies, and his rich cronies to much better diversions than this.
This is like serving vegetarian meals in flight to be green.
I think this is a fantastic move for the Virgin corporation. Virgin announced these plans awhile back and I have followed the company for some time, either way I am glad that a CEO like Richard Branson has the courage to move foward and drive society past what our governments are yet willing to do even though the technology for many things has existed for years.
Anonymous 10:09 PM,
To propose that on "principal" this project shouldn't be LEED worthy because of its specific function, is disheartening. Also, to suggest that the LEED qualification system is defective because a facility with this purpose is able to be designed to meet the criteria is equally frustrating. Adhearance to dogmatic cynicism is counter productive and misses the point. If lots of people/entities take marginal steps to be more sustainable, then the universal result can be large-scale change.
Can the LEED process be refined? Sure. In fact, the USGBC is constantly updating their standards. It's a system that evolves and strengthens over time.
Also, Branson is using his money for more practical green projects as well. His investment interest in Biofuels (which some take issue with of course) runs fairly deep. In fact he's got a large stake in an upcoming Biofuels project here in my home state of Tennessee.
Last, many of us are able to connect to the environment through nature walks and books. However, some of the more superficial of us might require some alternative means of persuasion.
"The Earth reminded us of a Christmas tree ornament hanging in the blackness of space. As we got farther and farther away it diminished in size. Finally it shrank to the size of a marble, the most beautiful marble you can imagine. That beautiful, warm, living object looked so fragile, so delicate, that if you touched it with a finger it would crumble and fall apart. Seeing this has to change a man"
- James Irwin, United States Astronaut
"Before I flew I was already aware of how small and vulnerable our planet is; but only when I saw it from space, in all its ineffable beauty and fragility, did I realize that human kind's most urgent task is to cherish and preserve it for future generations."
- Sigmund Jähn, German Democratic Republic Astronaut
"For those who have seen the Earth from space, and for the hundreds and perhaps thousands more who will, the experience most certainly changes your perspective. The things that we share in our world are far more valuable than those which divide us."
- Donald Williams, United States Astronaut