Those Who Work in Glass Buildings

Buildings are starting to become more and more eco-efficient. What is up with the new trend? Big business and skyscraper owners are starting to look into the "green movement" more seriously, and adapt their gargantuan office buildings to the standards of this movement. In fact, first prize was granted to the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg for Green Architecture for International Buildings.

This completely glass-windowed building was designed and finished in 2008. Designer, Ingenhoven Architects, were ecstatic to see their finished product, made from glass and shaped like a tube. This building has many praises, some of which are about it's environmentally friendly and efficient structural layout. The office layout also prompts employees to interact and communicate with each other.

Here are some statistics about the building and its green efforts:

"The EIB headquarters is a 170 meter-long tubular glass and steel structure with a zigzagging non-hierarchical office layout that allows for flexibility in the offices as well as interaction between employees. The 72,500 sq meter building has enough office space and facilities for 750 employees and includes an indoor ‘warm' atria, a cafeteria, restaurant, and a connection to nearby buildings."

Sunlight is easily accessible in this building, due to the office space being completely covered in glass; that's right, all 13,000 square feet. Light enters the building from any and all directions, bringing natural light as well as energy into the building. The windows are operatable via employees so they have control over the temperature of their office space as well as bringing in fresh air to a sometimes stale cubicle. Not only do the windows create satisfaction for employees, but a winter garden place in the building has its perks as well. This insulation from these plants eliminates the need for air conditioning or a heating system. I hope my place of work is as efficient as this building!