1.1 Shape Analysis

The SIEEB building shape, shown in figure 1, derives from the analysis of the site and of the specific climatic conditions of the Beijing. Located in a dense urban context, surrounded by some high-rise buildings, the building optimises the need for solar energy in winter and for solar protection in summer. The shape of the building evolves from a series of tests and simulations carried out earlier by present authors (Butera et al., 2003).

1.2 Advanced Technological Solutions and Control Strategies

The envelope characteristics derive from a series of simulations of the thermal behaviour of the building, optimising between energy and architectural factors. Building energy analysis, carried out by means of detailed computer simulations, showed that, in order to minimise CO2 emissions, the key issue was electricity consumption, mainly because of the highly polluting electric production and distribution system in China. The envelope characteristics were defined on the basis of the advanced technologies for energy savings.

From such an evidence the following design strategies were derived:

o Maximise natural lighting, for minimising the need of artificial lighting o Minimise the electricity demand of the HVAC system

o Cover as much as possible the electricity demand of the building by means of cleaner production systems.