Book 26, Question 33 · Video
How did an architect copy termite mounds to cool an office building?
In Harare, Zimbabwe, the Eastgate Centre office building opened in 1996. Architect Mick Pearce was inspired by termite mounds, which stay steady in temperature while it is hot outside. At night, fans pull cool air through the building and push warm air out through tall chimneys. Thick concrete soaks up heat in the day and releases it later. The building uses far less energy for cooling than normal office towers.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How did an architect copy termite mounds to cool an office building?
The Big Idea
Termites build tall mounds that stay cool inside. An architect copied them! He cooled an office building.
The Building
Step one: The Building. In Harare, Zimbabwe, the Eastgate Centre office building opened in 1996. Architect Mick Pearce was inspired by termite mounds, which stay steady in temperature while it is hot outside.
Air Flow
Step two: Air Flow. At night, fans pull cool air through the building. Warm air is pushed out through tall chimneys.
Thick Concrete
Step three: Thick Concrete. Thick concrete soaks up heat in the day and releases it later. The building uses far less energy for cooling than normal office towers.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Termites inspired it. Cool air enters. Warm air rises out. Concrete stores heat.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! The building has no ordinary air-conditioning system. Termites are tiny architects. Saves lots of energy. Cool air at night.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Draw a building with a tall chimney. Add air vents near the bottom. Use blue arrows to show cool air coming in. Use red arrows to show warm air going out. Label your drawing.
Outro
An architect copied termite mounds to cool the Eastgate Centre in Zimbabwe, using night fans, tall chimneys, and thick concrete. It uses far less energy for cooling than normal towers. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!