LAVA – "Green is the new black"

Designing a green building for green climate officials to work in could be viewed as something of a poisoned chalice. But the ambitiously-named Laboratory for Visionary Architecture has taken up the challenge and has entered its plans for the proposed Secretariat of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) hedquarters in Bonn, Germany.

The ecology-focussed architecture practice which has offices in Sydney, Stuttgart, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi prides itself on exploring frontiers that merge future technologies with the patterns of organisation found in nature. The company believes that this will result in a smarter, friendlier, more socially and environmentally responsible future.

The LAVA bid is one of a number from Germany, Mexico, Namibia, Poland, Korea and Switzerland to host the international body that ensures the global community is doing its best to combat climate change. Countries bidding must supply the fund with an HQ that not only fulfils the body's needs, but is also in line with its green ethos. The prize will be awarded towards the end of this year. 

LAVA, proposal for GCF headquarters in Bonn, Germany

"Green is the new black,” is LAVA’s motto, and its proposed design for the GCF’s HQ is so green the architects consider it to be “an ecological model project”. “LAVA worked closely with the world renowned strategy, workforce and technology experts Fraunhofer IOA to generate intelligent systems, materials and skins that respond to external influences such as air pressure, temperature, humidity, solar-radiation, and pollution,” says LAVA director Alexander Rieck. 

The building design is inspired by its proposed setting in the Rhine valley, and features curvilinear forms, natural light wells, roof top gardens and a large sunken terrace for the restaurant. The three level structure will comply with the latest energy and building ecology standards, meeting the highest demands in terms of sustainability and energy efficiency.

LAVA, proposal for GCF headquarters in Bonn, Germany

For more green architecture and sustainable design projects, check out Vitamin Green, which features over 100 buildings, landscapes and products nominated by an international roster of influential architects and designers, as well as critics, curators and writers. It displays the incredible breadth of techniques, materials, and sites used by designers and architects today to address issues such as water quality, pollution and energy consumption.