Seoul tower features PV facade

The new Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) building in Seoul, South Korea features an innovative façade, designed to both reduce excessive heating and cooling, as well as collect energy through photovoltaic (PV) panels.

PV panels are angled at 30° towards the sun up the 50 storey/240 m height of the building, allowing them to collect power to help meet the building’s electrical needs. Underneath these, window panels are angled at 15° downwards to minimise direct sun radiation and glare. Together, the two sets of panels create a striking, rippled effect. The roof of the building is also fitted with PV panels.

The design was developed by Chicago, US-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG). AS+GG Partner Robert Forest said, “ The tower features one of the most efficient solar electric facades in the world in a cost effective manner, proactively expanding Korea’s goal of advancing generation in buildings.”