Through an innovative design, sensitivity to occupant comfort, and an eye towards revitalizing downtown Philadelphia, Comcast Center sets a new quality benchmark for sustainability in high-rise buildings.
At 975 feet tall, the Comcast Center is one of the tallest LEED Gold building in the United States. This feat is in part due to the significant energy savings earned through the winter garden’s innovative heating and cooling strategy, suggested and developed by Atelier Ten: a double façade returns atrium air, increasing winter and summer comfort; façade shading and solar control glazing mitigate heat gains; the radiant floor efficiently heats and cools the occupied zone. Together, these strategies maintain comfort in the eight story space, where a variety of events are held year round. Water savings of 40% are achieved through low-flow fixtures, waterless urinals, and onsite rainwater capture which irrigates the plaza’s native vegetation. High indoor air quality is maintained through the use of low VOC materials, and a ventilation system capable of purging floors with 100% outside air. A large public plaza creates a welcoming open space in Center City Philadelphia.
