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Crystal
Cathedral interior of the visitor's center
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Rev. Robert H. Schuller, whose television ministry has long been
symbolized by Garden Grove’s towering Crystal Cathedral,
completed the $40 million International Center for Possibility
Thinking. Syska Hennessy Group was selected as the building systems
engineer and sustainable consultant for the 58,000 sq. ft. four-story
building addition to the campus providing reception facilities
for visitors, including an auditorium, gallery, library, retail
space and café.
The technical value added by the Syska Hennessy Group Team evolved
around the energy efficient design of the MEP systems, specifically
the HVAC, lighting, and lighting control systems. Realizing the
center would be home to numerous visitors and various multi-functional
events, Syska engineers worked closely with the architectural design
team (Richard Meier & Partners) to ensure the systems were
properly integrated and could adapt to varying configurations.
According to computer energy simulations using DOE2 technology,
the new building will be 35% more energy efficient than Title-24
requirements. Due to this energy efficiency, the project qualified
for both owner and design team incentives under the "Savings
By Design" program administrated by Southern California Edison.
By using these energy efficient strategies, Syska Hennessy Group
and the design team created an intelligent building that results
in low impact to the surrounding environment and local community.
The energy savings strategies employed for the facility include
high performance glazing, automated day lighting controls, high
efficiency lighting and energy efficient HVAC systems. A large
atrium in the building employs a natural ventilation strategy with
supplemental air-conditioning for peak conditions. A Computational
Fluid Dynamics model was used to optimize the natural ventilation
design for thermal comfort and energy efficiency. This project
was selected for an Outstanding Achievement Award by the Southern
California Development Forum in 2003.
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