What is reimagine?

\ˌrē-i-ˈma-jən\
: to imagine again or anew ; especially : to form a new conception of : re-create

Reimagine was developed in response to aging and failing exterior building envelope systems. The aim is to preserve and renew existing building stock, protect the investments and assets of building owners, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, while enhancing the environment for occupants.

Office buildings: A History

• 1910/20s – Operable windows, natural ventilation, most of the building is daylit.
  
• 1930/40s – Expanded use of electric lighting and introduction of mechanical systems.
  
• 1950/60s – Cheap energy leads to building design without much regard to thermal performance and energy use.
  
• 1970s – Energy Crisis shifts design to improve thermal performance but often at the expense of natural lighting, ventilation, and occupant comfort.
  
• 1980s – ‘Tight buildings’ found to have too little air circulation and too many toxins leading to high rates of illness and absenteeism.
  
• 1990s – We begin to see a conscious shift towards ‘re-imagining’ design, space use, material choice, and sustainability.
  

The current building stock

Most commercial tower buildings were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s and are now exhibiting various forms of aging and deterioration, primarily on exterior envelope elements. Prudent investments in the comprehensive re-skinning of these buildings are needed to restore durability, improve energy efficiency and enhance appearance. It is critical that these investments result in real performance improvements that deliver value to all stakeholders.

By 2030, approximately 40% of the existing commercial stock will have been affected by energy efficiency activities associated with retrofitting. This amounts to about 225 million square meters of floor space, of which the majority (65%) is in office buildings, wholesale and retail facilities, and educational facilities.

There is an enormous potential here to preserve and renew existing building stock. This will protect the investments and assets of building owners, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the work environment for building occupants.

Moving forward

How do we reimagine buildings in a sustainable way?

• Upgrade/replace the conventional envelope with a higher performance option.
  
• Mesh passive and active building systems such as operable windows and shading devices.
  
• Increase tenant/occupant comfort by means of controls and effective space use.
  
• Shift to more durable and higher quality materials to increase life-cycle costing.
  
• Use integrated approaches in design and operation with regards to lighting, heating, ventilation, cooling, and the building envelope.
  

This will :

• Produce better thermal performance – Energy Savings
  
• Dramatically reduce thermal bridging
  
• Bring more daylight into the building
  
• Improve and natural ventilation with operable windows
  
• Enhance appearance