Hello spectators,last week the TEENS Program went on a little tour ,lead by Dave Hampton, around Chicago’s downtown area, called Green in the Loop. We looked at amazing architecture through out the downtown area. Now you’re probably wondering what architecture has to do with nature and science? We were not only observing the beautiful designs of the building, but were also learning about the evolution and techniques used to make buildings and the new things that buildings now have to reduce energy consumption and reduce green house gases,both from modern times and from the 19th century.
We learned that modern architects used steel for the building structure and foundation for skyscrapers. They started to use steel for skyscrapers because it was just as strong as concrete and it was also lighter and could withstand tension fairly well.
Steel is created by adding carbon to iron. Even though concrete isn’t as good for making skyscrapers it plays in important role in supporting steel. A Concrete cover or base can help protect the steel from the elements and keeps the steel from rusting. A good example would the public parking places downtown,which look like a 100% concrete structures but actually have steel supports.
Energy efficiency appears to be a new focus for building construction, but in reality has been implemented in buildings as early as 1950s. For example, some office buildings were coated to with a layer of insulation to allow the building to trap the heat.This cuts cost of heating and decreases the amount of energy that is consumed by the building.
Many buildings have started to install green roofs. The reason why people are starting to install green roofs on top of buildings, is
1.Help clean the air through the plants absorbtion of extra carbon dioxide that is a product of pollution.
2. Prevent excess runoff from precipitation.
Overall, the tour opened our eyes the steps that many buildings have taken or are beginning to to reduce their carbon footprint.
If you are interested in taking the Green in the Loop tour check out their website at: Echo Studio Chicago
-James S.
