The Forum was designed according to a sustainable strategy which would lessen the building’s impact on the environment. The design takes advantage of the thermal mass of concrete and thick brick walls to help stabilise the overall temperature and heat gains caused by users.

 

The entire third floor houses heating and cooling plant, air handling units and a whole host of other plant to keep the building running. The plant is continuously monitored and managed by a computerised building management system to ensure the most efficient use of resources. Beneficial heat is also recycled to the building from the plant room, thereby helping to reduce energy consumption.

 

The central glazed atrium allows natural light into the heart of the building and also acts as a return air path for the air displacement ventilation system.