Office of The Wind

Office of the wind is a multi function building combining commerce area on ground and podium level and office on the upper level. The project is located in a business district in eastern Surabaya. Office of the wind was a 5th semester project of my bachelors degree. The topic of the studio was about sustainable design concept.

The site itself is located in the corner, it has access to nearby water body, providing great potential to explore waterfront development to enhance spatial experience and generating avtivities nearby and in the building

Waterfront development can be as simple as providing seating or steps, creating a comfortable space for people to rest, walk, or engage in various activities. Shade is essential, especially in coastal areas where the environment tends to be dry and barren. The presence of shading elements will attract visitors by offering a more pleasant experience. Additionally, waterfront development indirectly supports the presence of surrounding buildings, and vice versa, creating a more cohesive and inviting urban environment.

A key feature of the surrounding area is the walkway, designed to make the building most enjoyable for pedestrians. A wide grass terrace on the podium level bridges the two corners of the building, preserving the green space that would otherwise be lost to the building’s footprint. This podium level also serves as a natural divider between the commercial and office functions. Workers can simply walk up the landscaped slope to reach their offices, creating a seamless and pleasant transition between spaces.

The office buildings are divided into two masses: the west and east buildings. Each can accommodate offices of different sizes. The buildings are enveloped by small, tall turbines, designed in response to the plentiful wind in the area. While large turbines would be neither economical nor effective at the building’s height, smaller turbines—strategically positioned and supported by the building’s form—can harness slower yet abundant winds more efficiently.

The podium terrace functions as a stairway, seamlessly connecting the lower commercial area with the upper office space. It also serves as an elevated terrace, offering an enjoyable view—especially towards the south, where the river flows. This terrace is bathed in sunlight during sunrise from the east and sunset from the west, creating a welcoming atmosphere for workers in the morning and a peaceful retreat during the evening commute back home.

Although a rigorous fluid dynamic simulation has not yet been conducted to assess the building’s performance, the design serves as a visual representation of its potential—demonstrating the possibilities of utilizing wind as a driving force in shaping the building.

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Desc

The Office of the Wind is a multifunctional building in Surabaya, featuring commercial space at the ground level and offices above. Designed for a sustainable concept, it incorporates waterfront development to enhance user experience and activity. The project includes a green podium level and energy-efficient turbines, promoting a cohesive urban environment.

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