Lesly Mata | Tanmay Goraksha | Amit Keni
A multi-agency facility in Charlotte, designed to address climate challenges and strengthen community resilience, featuring sustainable elements such as white BIPV panels, photovoltaic roof panels, geothermal systems, and rainwater harvesting.
Climate change presents a significant threat to Charlotte, with rising temperatures, frequent severe weather events, and increased flooding affecting public health, infrastructure, and daily life. The Climate Resilience and Response Center (CRC) is designed to monitor and respond to these challenges. CRC integrates a multi-agency collaboration led by The National Weather Service (NWS), North Carolina Health and Human Services (NCHHS) and FEMA’, coordinating disaster responses, providing real-time weather data and research, and addressing climate-related health concerns.
PROJECT STATEMENT
Climate change presents a significant threat to Charlotte, with rising temperatures, frequent severe weather events, and increased flooding affecting public health, infrastructure, and daily life. The Climate Resilience and Response Center (CRC) is designed to monitor and respond to these challenges. CRC integrates a multi-agency collaboration led by The National Weather Service (NWS), North Carolina Health and Human Services (NCHHS) and FEMA’, coordinating disaster responses, providing real-time weather data and research, and addressing climate-related health concerns.
Designed with a net-zero approach led by Duke Energy, CRC utilizes low-carbon materials such as mass timber structures and sustainable concrete while incorporating urban landscaping with tree planting and permeable surfaces to minimize carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly construction. Solar-reflective features, including white BIPV panels, light-colored pavers, and a reflective aluminum façade, reduce urban heat island effects by limiting heat absorption and lowering cooling demands. Advanced water management systems like bioswales, rain gardens, rooftop rainwater harvesting, and underground cisterns help control stormwater, reduce runoff, and ensure sustainable water resources. Through collaborative efforts across agencies, the CRC unifies disaster response, public health, and environmental monitoring while fostering public education through workshops, interactive exhibits, and hands-on learning spaces, empowering the community with tools for climate adaptation and sustainability.
Charlotte, despite being inland, faces significant climate change challenges that threaten public health, infrastructure, and the economy. The Fourth National Climate Assessment highlights how more frequent and intense extreme weather events and shifting climate conditions are already damaging infrastructure and ecosystems nationwide, with future climate change expected to exacerbate these issues. Vulnerable communities, especially lower-income and marginalized groups, are disproportionately affected due to their limited capacity to cope with such events. Addressing these impacts requires prioritizing adaptation actions for the most vulnerable and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. In Charlotte, last summer’s extreme heat put outdoor workers, children, seniors, and the homeless at risk, underscoring the need for measures like cooling centers, air conditioning support, and targeted public health messaging to protect those most at risk.
The Lower Catawba watershed, which includes Charlotte, NC, has experienced:
- 748 weeks (62% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in drought of any level
- 103 weeks (9% of weeks) since 2000 with some of its area in Extreme or Exceptional drought
Out of 433 census tracts in Charlotte, NC:
- 408 tracts have more than a quarter of buildings with significant fire risk
- 398 tracts have more than half of the buildings with significant fire risk
Any day that "feels like" it is warmer than 104ºF is deemed hot in Charlotte. This year, Charlotte is predicted to have seven hot days. In 30 years, Charlotte will see 17 days above 104ºF due to climate change.
Heat Factor: Minimal
0 out of 273,601 properties at risk
Heat Factor: Minor 0 out of 273,601 properties at risk
Heat Factor: Moderate 0 out of 273,601properties at risk
Heat Factor: Major 263,024 out of 273,601properties at risk
Heat Factor: Severe 10,577 out of 273,601properties at risk
Heat Factor: Extreme 0 out of 273,601properties at risk
Increased energy use as a result of households and businesses trying to stay cool indoors is one of the effects of heat. Predicted temperatures for Charlotte this year indicate that using air conditioning would result in higher energy demand on 212 days per year.
With 222 days of cooling days predicted annually in 30 years, this risk might become even more significant. Charlotte's electricity consumption for cooling is predicted to rise by 12.90% as a result of this increased need for cooling.
Heatwaves and days that are extremely hot could happen more frequently as normal temperatures rise. High-risk persons may be physically endangered by temperatures above 90ºF. For everyone, temperatures over 100ºF can be deadly.
SCALE:1" = 128
CREEK STREAMS
Anarea ofthe floodplainthatmust be keptclearof any obstruction (filldirt, buildings, etc)asto not impede the flow of water. Developmentinthisarea isvery restrictive, and usuallyrequiresa detailed engineeringanalysis(and local approval)priorto beginningdevelopment.
Streams havethe primary naturalfunctionsof conveying storm and groundwater,storing floodwater and supportingaquatic and otherlife. Vegetated lands adjacenttothe stream channelinthe drainage basinserveasa buffertoprotectthe stream system’s ability tofulfillits naturalfunctions. Primary natural functionsofthebufferinclude:Protect water quality byfilteringpollutants; Provide storage for floodwaters; Allowchannelstomeander naturally; and Provide suitable habitats forwildlife.
Charlotte’s sun path, as shown in the diagram, exhibits a southern solar trajectory with the highest sun angles occurring in summer, particularly around noon. This pattern allows for optimized solar panel placement on south-facing roofs and walls to maximize energy capture, while shading stragies can be implemented to block intense summer sun while allowing winter sunlight to penetrate. The seasonal vaiation in the sun’s altitude also in uences building orientation, window placement, and facade treatments to enhance passive heating and cooling.
Charlotte, NC. His in a humid subtropical climate (3A) and experiences pretty hot and humid summers and milder winters. The average high temperatures in summer fall between 85°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C), with high humidity making it feel much warmer. The winters are mild, with daytime temperatures reaching around 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C) and night time lows are between 30°F and 40°F (-1°C to 4°C). Charlotte sees moderate amount of rainfall year-round, and averages about 43 inches (1,100 mm) annually. Thunderstorms are more common in late spring and and summer, contributing to higher amount of precipitation during these seasons. Heat stress is higher during May to September, while cold stress is minimal and mostly present at the beginning and end of the year.
The wind rose for Charlotte shows more moderate wind pattern, with the winds mainly arising from the south and southwest and also from north and north east but not as much. Average wind speeds are relatively lower, which is what you would expect for a humid subtropical climate. This relatively gentle winds reduce problems about wind pressure on buildings but they can also limit the natural ventilation opportunities. HVAC systems in Charlotte need to compensate for the lack of strong winds by actively controlling indoor areas with less wind.
This chart shows a high correlation between increasing dry bulb temperature and increasing absolute humidity. Charlotte has a humid and subtropic climate which means that as temperatures increase, so does the moisture content in the air and high humidity levels leads to discomfort, increases the risk of mold growth, and potentially damage to building materials. This makes HVAC systems important to control both temperature and humidity to maintain indoor air quality and prevent moisture-related problems like rot or condensation.
The Charlotte Climate Resilience & Response Center (CRC) emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and community well-being, using design elements that align with these goals. Inspired by a geode, the building contrasts a solid, protective exterior with a dynamic, inviting interior. This geode concept serves as a metaphor for climate adaptation, where a resilient outer layer shields against climate extremes like heat, wind, and floods, much like a geode’s rough shell protects its interior. Inside, the intricate design prioritizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant well-being, reflecting the beauty and care hidden within. This layered approach symbolizes how climate-adapted architecture can create both robust protection and welcoming, efficient interior spaces.
The Chengdu Natural History Museum’s design incorporates organic forms inspired by nearby mountains and rivers, creating an inviting, flowing structure that integrates with its surroundings. The building’s aluminum facade has a textured, undulating surface, enhancing its connection to the landscape by reflecting natural elements in dynamic ways. This durable, lightweight material also contributes to the museum’s sustainability, with its reflective qualities shifting with the light, along with its perforations, to create a sense of movement and depth across the exterior.
The Palace for Mexican Music features a striking stone facade with intricate perforations that create a textured, visually engaging exterior while allowing natural light to filter into the building. These perforations not only add aesthetic depth but also enhance ventilation, reflecting the architectural integration of traditional Mexican design elements with contemporary functionality. Inside, the central plaza offers an open, inviting space for gatherings and cultural events, embodying the spirit of Mexican music and community. This interior plaza connects various museum areas, creating a dynamic flow that encourages exploration and interaction among visitors.
The building’s exterior was crafted with attention to local climate conditions and traditional influences. The facade provides sun protection, regulating natural light and airflow within the interior spaces. By using a passive ventilation system and controlled natural lighting between the outer skin and the interior atrium, the design achieves an open-air atmosphere with well-balanced illumination throughout the interior.
The exterior skin of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture features a bronze-colored, lattice facade inspired by the intricate ironwork created by enslaved African Americans in the South. This unique, patterned screen allows natural light to filter into the building while providing shade and reducing solar heat gain, creating an environment that is both energy-efficient and visually symbolic.
The Solar Carve Tower’s glass facade is defined by its unique, chiseled geometry, designed by Studio Gang to respond to the sun’s path and reduce solar glare on surrounding public spaces. The facade uses precise angles and cuts, allowing for optimal light penetration into the building while minimizing shadows cast on the nearby High Line in New York. This carved form maximizes natural daylight within the interior, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving energy efficiency. Special coatings on the glass also help manage solar heat gain, addressing sun exposure concerns by controlling temperatures within the building and enhancing occupant comfort.
Entrances Etched in Mass
Form: Skin with Perforations
FEMA will provide disaster response coordination, resources, and training to help Charlotte prepare for and respond to climate-related emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, and severe storms. It will work closely with local agencies to ensure rapid deployment of resources and support for recovery efforts, reducing the impact on infrastructure and communities.
NCHHS will monitor and respond to climate-related health threats, such as heatwaves, waterborne illnesses, and air quality issues, providing public health guidance and services to protect vulnerable populations. It will also coordinate with healthcare providers to ensure preparedness and response plans address the growing health risks posed by climate change.
The National Weather Service will offer real-time weather monitoring, forecasts, and alerts to inform residents and emergency responders about severe weather events linked to climate change. Its data will be crucial for proactive decision-making, allowing the community to better prepare for extreme weather and reducing potential damage.
Duke Energy will work on ensuring the resilience and reliability of Charlotte's power grid by implementing strategies to withstand extreme weather events, reducing the risk of power outages during emergencies. It will also focus on renewable energy integrationand energy efficiency to support a sustainable response to climate challenges.
The Coordinated Response Hub will serve as a central point of communication and collaboration among all agencies involved in climate emergency response, ensuring a unified, rapid, and effective response to disasters. It will facilitate resource allocation, information sharing, and strategic planning to minimize the impact of climate-related crises on the community.
The Fitness and Wellness sector will support the mental and physical well-being of emergency response staff and the public by providing access to counseling, health education, and stress-relief resources. It will address climate change-induced stress, trauma, and health disparities, ensuring that both responders and the community can cope with the increased challenges posed by climate-related events. The Food Services sector will operate alongside the garden, preparing and distributing meals to those affected by climate emergencies, as well as maintaining an emergency food pantry stocked with preserved goods. Together, they will create a self-sustaining food system, ensuring that the center remains operational and capable of supporting the community during prolonged climate-related disruptions.
1.Public Spaces
-Entry Lobby &Greeting Halls
-Public Auditorium
-Exhibit Hall
-Hands-on Multipurpose Classrooms
2.Semi-Private/Administrative Spaces
-General Administrative Office
-Staff Break Room
-Conference/Meeting Rooms
-Simulation Room
-Training Classrooms
3.Semi-Public/Fitness & Wellness
-Fitness Center -Wellness Center
-Locker Rooms & Showers
-Dining Hall
-Toilet Facilities
4.Private/Secured Spaces
-Coordinated Response Control -FEMA
-North Carolina Health &Human Services (NCHHS)
-The National Weather Service (NWS)
-Duke Energy
-Temporary & Permanent Staff Accomodations
-Food Services & Kitchen
-Service & Maintenance Facilities
-Technical and Infrastructure Support
-Storage Areas
1.Public/Semi-Public -Internal Courtyard
-Food Garden
2.Private & Public Services -Parking
-Service Garage & Access for Emergency Vehicles
-Loading/Unloading Service Area
Zone A: Emergency Operations
1. Coordinated Response Control
2. FEMA
3. North Carolina Health & Human Services (NCHHS)
4. The National Weather Service (NWS)
5. Duke Energy
Zone B: Administrative and Staff Support
1. General Administrative Offices
2. Conference Rooms
3. Staff Facilities and Locker Rooms
4. Storage Areas
5. Toilet Facilities
6. Simulation Room
7. 8. Training Classrooms Permanent & Temporary Staff Accommodations
9. Dining Hall & Food Services
Zone C: Public & Community Health, Wellness, & Education
1. Entry Lobby & Greeting Hall
2. Exhibit Hall
3. Auditorium
4. Hands-on Mulitpurpose Classrooms
5. Fitness Center
6. Wellness Center
7. Courtyard
Zone D: Service & Maintenance
1. Service & Maintenance Facilities
2. Server Room & IT Infrastructure
3. Security Operations Center
4. Backup Power Generator Room
5. Acoustical Systems
6. Vertical Conveyance Systems
7. Egress and Stair Requirements
8. Fire Safety Systems
9. Plumbing Service
10. Lighting Systems, Electrical, & Data Storage
11. Mechanical & Energy Storage Spaces
Zone E: Service
1. Emergency Drop-Off Area
2. Emergency Vehicle Parking
3. Staff Parking
4. Public Parking
5. Loading/Unloading Service Area
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, 2013
The Bullitt Center employs a large rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar array that generates more electricity than the building consumes over a year, allowing it to operate with a net-positive energy balance. The triple-pane windows, and an airtight design that minimizes heat loss and gain, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Energy-e cient systems such as ground-source heat pumps, radiant floor heating, and natural ventilation provide climate control with minimal energy use, while daylighting strategies and motion sensors ensure that artificial lighting is used only when necessary. The Bullitt Center also integrates smart building automation to monitor and optimize energy consumption in real-time. By combining these strategies, the Bullitt Center not only meets but exceeds its net-zero energy targets, serving as a benchmark for sustainable commercial building
foundational aspect of
The Kendeda Building uses innovative net-zero water strategies, transforming rainwater into potable water, managing greywater, and reducing stormwater runo It features the first rainwater-to-drinking-water system of its kind. Rainwater is collected from the building’s photovoltaic array, roof deck, and green roof, then filtered and stored in a 50,000-gallon cistern in the basement. About 41% of the harvested rainwater is treated, while the remaining water is diverted to stormwater systems. The design team carefully analyzed 31 years of drought and precipitation data to ensure the cistern’s capacity would support water resilience. Greywater from sinks, showers, and fountains is treated through constructed wetlands, recharging the surrounding groundwater, while composting toilets minimize blackwater waste. On-site stormwater management includes rain gardens, permeable pavers, and seepage areas, helping to restore natural hydrological flow and reflecting the Piedmont Forest ecosystem. These integrated strategies enable the Kendeda Building to achieve net-zero water usage, meeting the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge.
The site has a contour drop of around 50 ft from the high point at the left top to the low point at the right bottom, o ers a natural opportunity to incorporate Net Zero Water features. This significant slope can be leveraged by designing a series of rainwater harvesting systems that capture runo from the higher areas and direct it into bioswales, retention ponds, or constructed wetlands at lower elevations. The natural flow of water can be harnessed to feed into gravity-fed greywater systems, filtering and reusing water for irrigation and non-potable purposes. By strategically planting vegetation along the slope and incorporating permeable surfaces, the site’s natural contours will slow water flow, enhance groundwater recharge, and minimize runo , creating a beautiful, self-sustaining water cycle that aligns with Net Zero Water goals.
By designing with site contours in mind, we can harness natural water flow to achieve a Net Zero Water Building. This approach minimizes water consumption, reduces runo , enhances groundwater recharge, and allows for e ective rainwater and greywater reuse. Working with the natural topography ensures that water is managed sustainably, contributing to a building that is self-su cient in water usage and resilient to environmental challenges.
The Bullitt Center in Seattle achieves net zero water and waste through innovative and sustainable approaches. The building collects rainwater from the roof, storing it in a 56,000-gallon underground tank where it’s filtered and treated to provide clean water for all its occupants.
Wastewater from sinks, showers, and other sources is treated on-site using a constructed wetland, naturally filtered, and returned to the earth, replenishing the water cycle. Composting toilets eliminate the need for flush water, further improving water e ciency. Regarding waste, the Bullitt Center adheres to a strict waste management system that prioritizes reduction, recycling, and reuse. During construction, more than 90% of debris was recycled or salvaged, reducing landfill impact. The composting toilets convert waste into compost, bypassing traditional sewage systems and cutting down on waste output. Building occupants follow stringent waste sorting rules, and the design supports ongoing recycling. Together, these measures enable the Bullitt Center to operate as a net zero water and waste facility, setting a high standard for sustainability at every level.
One Angel Square in Manchester, UK, features an innovative double-skin facade that enhances insulation and provides natural ventilation, signi cantly lowering the building’s heating and cooling demands. The design incorporates 300,000 square feet of exposed concrete on the o ce ceilings, leveraging the material’s thermal mass to absorb and store heat. This helps regulate indoor temperatures and minimizes the need for mechanical cooling. A highly e cient Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system, fueled by locally sourced rapeseed oil, generates electricity while repurposing waste heat for heating and cooling. Energy e ciency is further boosted through LED lighting, an advanced building management system, and heat recovery technologies. The building also integrates rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and sustainable construction materials, contributing to its low environmental impact. By producing renewable energy on-site and signi cantly reducing energy consumption, One Angel Square achieves net-zero carbon operation.
A Net Zero Carbon building integrates a combination of sustainable design features to minimize carbon emissions while enhancing energy e ciency. The building incorporates a roof with photovolatic panels, which not only provides insulation and reduces heat island e ect but also captures rainwater and promotes biodiversity, contributing to the building’s overall environmental performance. White aluminum panels with solar panels cover the structute from N, S, E, & W,, minimizing solar heat gain during the summer while allowing passive heating in the winter, reducing reliance on arti cial cooling and heating systems Additionally, carefully designed cavity spaces within the structure facilitate natural wind ow, promoting passive ventilation and further decreasing energy consumption for cooling. The inclusion of an internal courtyard ensures the building is ooded with natural daylight without causing glare or heat gain, reducing the need for arti cial lighting throughout the day. Together, these elements work in synergy to create a highly energy-e cient and comfortable space that aligns with Net Zero Carbon objectives by lowering both operational energy demands and the carbon footprint.
The Charlotte Climate Resilience & Response Center (CRC) is designed with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and community well-being, utilizing materials and design elements that support both the conceptual goals and the building’s high perfomance. With a geode-inspired concept, the building is represented through the stark contrast between the building’s solid, protective exterior and its dynamic, inviting interior.
Exterior materials like aluminum panels and BIPV panels serve dual purposes in both aesthetics and energy efficiency. The panels , selected in a white finish to reflect the regional materials of white brick and stucco, aligns with site context and reduces solar heat gain, allowing the building to remain cooler and reducing energy demands for cooling systems. The glass facade’s precise angles and carved form, on the exterior side of the private side, optimize natural light within the building, enhancing daylight and energy efficiency.
The geode-inspired façade design strategically considers solar exposure, angling its form to maximize efficiency by meeting the south-facing sun, making it ideal for BIPV solar panels. As a result, BIPV panels are prominently placed on the front façade for optimal energy generation, while the remaining areas are clad in reflective white aluminum panels to enhance energy efficiency and reduce heat absorption. BIPV
The exterior, with its voids and perforations, is crafted to echo the natural contrasts found within a geode, reflecting the duality between the rugged exterior and the luminous interior. This approach transforms the building into an architectural geode, where its textured shell reveals glimpses of the refined spaces within, balancing privacy with an invitation to light.
Some of the voids and perforations are thoughtfully positioned and shaped to bring natural light selectively into the private wing’s interior spaces, where light is desired but direct visibility is limited. Each perforation varies in size and shape, sculpted to maximize diffused sunlight, similar to how the interior of a geode might sparkle as light passes through crystalline openings. The arrangement of voids not only respects the private nature of these spaces but also creates a dynamic façade that shifts in appearance throughout the day as sunlight angles change.
CABLE SUPPORT
The interior structure, built predominately with mass timber, serves not only for structural efficiency but also provides a warm, biophilic environment, enhancing wellness by bringing natural materials into the building. Mass timber offers additional sustainable benefits, as it is a renewable resource with lower embodied carbon than traditional concrete and steel, while also creating a calming, natural environment that supports mental health and well-being.
Low carbon concrete will be used for below-grade first-floor structure due to its strength, durability, and resistance to moisture and soil pressure, providing a stable and long-lasting foundation. Together, the choice of materials and design elements reflects a thoughtful integration of sustainability with the local environment, creating a building that is both resilient to climate impacts and supportive of occupant wellness. This commitment to sustainable design ensures that the CRC serves as a model for climate-responsive architecture in urban settings.
In designing a building that harmonizes public and private spaces, the focus centers on the interaction between the auditorium, serving as the primary public space, and the private agency spaces above, including FEMA, Duke Energy, and the Weather Service, with private dining located on the fifth floor. Adjacent to Duke Energy and FEMA is an atrium designed for dual purposes: serving as an operational hub during emergencies and as a collaborative space for agency staff during non-emergency periods. This design fosters both visual and functional connectivity, seamlessly integrating agency operations while preserving distinct spatial hierarchies.
