Buildings That Follow the Sun

Can building floor plates rotate in response to sun movement? Sir Richard Branson seems to believe it’s possible. He recently introduced Virgin Buildings, a new generation of ultra-green skyscrapers aimed to positively change the landscape for the environment, architecture, and cities around the world. Sir Branson envisions Virgin Buildings to provide their own food, water, and energy while minimizing their impact on the existing infrastructure and resources.

Rainwater will be harvested and recycled for potable water usage, cooling systems, and vertical farming within the buildings to grow food. Floors are envisioned to turn in response to the sun’s movement, optimizing energy generation. Modular wall systems will allow for easy expansion and contraction of the rooms on each floor. Cutting edge technologies including renewable energy systems will also be used to make the buildings “the greenest in the world.”

Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin Group and Co-founder of the Carbon War Room. (Photo courtesy The Carbon War Room)
Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin Group and Co-founder of the Carbon War Room. (Photo courtesy The Carbon War Room)

As one of the energy efficiency-focused projects of the Carbon War Room, Virgin Buildings has the potential to disrupt the green building scene and maximize the opportunities in creating low-carbon, self-sufficient, and sustainable communities. The Carbon War Room’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of business solutions that reduce carbon emissions at gigaton scale and advance the low-carbon economy.

About Mignon O'Young 88 Articles
Mignon O’Young, Editor, is a California licensed architect, LEED Accredited Professional, and Certified Green Building Professional with more than 15 years of experience in the design, construction, green building, and affordable housing development industries.

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