The glass entry atrium (the above-grade portion that passersby see) is designed to consume as little energy as a glass atrium (normally an energy hog) can. Solar heat gain is controlled by climbing plants growing over the atrium (they seem to need a few more years to grow in yet), awnings, and photovoltaic panels on the roof. The atrium also allows for natural ventilation, which works well partly because tight temperature control isn’t needed in this type of transitional space, so heating and cooling isn’t need much of the year. Other energy features including high-efficiency space and water heating equipment and both occupancy and daylight-based lighting controls.

A portion of the building’s roof is green, similar to Millennium Park, which is sometimes called the world’s largest green roof (since the entire park is structured over a parking garage and train station). Just as Millennium Park and City Hall are often considered the calling card for Chicago’s green roof movement, this project has become the symbol of Chicago’s success with bicycling (although there are still plenty of improvements to be made!). Note that the nearby Exelon Pavilion (future post) is LEED® certified. Other team members included MEP engineer Calor Design Group, structural engineer RJ Baer Associates, and general contractor F.H. Paschen.