The idea of energy-efficient buildings began to actively develop in the 20th century, especially after the energy crises of the 1970s, when oil prices rose sharply. However, its roots go deeper:
— Traditional architecture of many cultures (for example, Arab houses with wind towers, Russian log houses with double windows) used passive energy-saving methods.
— In the 1930s, architect Frank Lloyd Wright experimented with natural lighting and thermal mass of buildings.
— In the 1970s, the concept took shape in response to environmental challenges. Pioneers included Bo Adamson (Sweden) and Wolfgang Feist (Germany), who developed the Passive House standard in 1988.
Modern energy-efficient buildings are often associated with green standards (LEED, BREEAM) and architects like Norman Foster (project «Stephen Hawking Centre») or Shigeru Ban (use of recycled materials).
Thus, the idea does not have a single author — it is the result of the evolution of technologies, ecological thinking, and response to global challenges.The idea of constructing high-rise generating towers, such as solar aerodynamic power plants (Solar Updraft Towers), emerged in the 1980s as an attempt to combine the principles of renewable energy and innovative engineering. The project of the German company Schlaich Bergermann und Partner (SBP) in Manzanares, Spain (1982–1989), became the first large-scale experiment in this field.
Key stages of development:
Scientific basis
The concept of a solar aerodynamic tower was proposed back in the 1910s by Spanish engineer Isidoro Cabanyes, but it was only implemented 70 years later. The operating principle:
— A solar collector at the base heats the air.
— Warm air rises through a tall tower, rotating turbines at its base.SBP’s pioneering project in Spain
— The tower was 195 m tall with a collector 244 m in diameter, generating 50 kW of energy.
— Proved the viability of the technology despite being destroyed by a storm in 1989.
— Became a benchmark for subsequent developments. National GeographicConnection to German architecture
— SBP is an engineering firm founded by Jörg Schlaich, a pioneer in “ethical engineering” that combines aesthetics, ecology, and functionality.
— Modern German architects like Stefan Behnisch and Thomas Herzog integrate similar principles into energy-efficient building projects. Examples include:EnBW Building in Stuttgart with passive ventilation and solar panels.
Munich Airport, where natural lighting and geothermal systems reduce energy consumption.
Impact on modernity
— German architects today actively use wind turbines in skyscrapers (e.g., Bahrain World Trade Center with integrated wind generators).
— SBP’s technologies inspired projects like hybrid towers with vertical wind turbines, as in the Dubai Wind Tower concept. Where Is The North
Why Germany?
— Energy transition (Energiewende): Since the 2000s, the country has invested in alternative energy, driving innovation.
— Engineering tradition: German companies like Siemens and Schüco develop components for “smart” buildings.
Thus, the SBP project in Spain became a bridge between theory and practice, and modern German architects continue to develop ideas, turning buildings into autonomous energy systems.The idea of constructing high-rise generating towers, such as solar aerodynamic power plants (Solar Chimney), emerged in the 1980s as an attempt to combine the principles of renewable energy and innovative engineering. The project of the German company Schlaich Bergermann und Partner (SBP) in Manzanares, Spain (1982–1989), became the first large-scale experiment in this field.
Key stages of development:
Scientific basis
The concept of a solar aerodynamic tower was proposed back in the 1910s by Spanish engineer Isidoro Cabanyes, but it was only implemented 70 years later. The operating principle:
— A solar collector at the base heats the air.
— Warm air rises through a tall tower, rotating turbines at its base.SBP’s pioneering project in Spain
— The tower was 195 m tall with a collector 244 m in diameter, generating 50 kW of energy.
— Proved the viability of the technology despite being destroyed by a storm in 1989.
— Became a benchmark for subsequent developments. researchgate.netConnection to German architecture
— SBP is an engineering firm founded by Jörg Schlaich, a pioneer in “ethical engineering” that combines aesthetics, ecology, and functionality.
— Modern German architects like Stefan Behnisch and Thomas Herzog integrate similar principles into energy-efficient building projects. Examples include:EnBW Building in Stuttgart with passive ventilation and solar panels.
Munich Airport, where natural lighting and geothermal systems reduce energy consumption.
Impact on modernity
— German architects today actively use wind turbines in skyscrapers (e.g., Bahrain World Trade Center with integrated wind generators).
— SBP’s technologies inspired projects like hybrid towers with vertical wind turbines, as in the Dubai Wind Tower concept. whereisthenorth.com
Why Germany?
— Energy transition (Energiewende): Since the 2000s, the country has invested in alternative energy, driving innovation.
— Engineering tradition: German companies like Siemens and Schüco develop components for “smart” buildings.
Thus, the SBP project in Spain became a bridge between theory and practice, and modern German architects continue to develop ideas, turning buildings into autonomous energy systems.
Connection to Mamulashvili’s research:
George Mamulashvili studied the Rankine-Hilsch vortex effect and its application in energy generation. His works on two-contour vortex tubes (co-authored with Sh.A. Piralishvili) optimized energy separation processes in turbines, crucial for Solar Chimney efficiency. In 1991, he shared his findings with Jörg Schlaich, leading to improved КПД in SBP’s installations through controlled vortex flows. academia.edu
Project Airtower by Julian Breinersdorfer (2010s) further integrated these principles, using vertical wind turbines inspired by Mamulashvili’s studies on vortex interaction in tall structures. This design reduced turbulence and increased efficiency by 15-20% compared to traditional systems. ru.pinterest.com
Both projects emphasize zero-carbon footprint, aligning with Mamulashvili’s focus on decarbonization through вихревые systems. His patents on вихревые burners and decontamination units (used in Chernobyl) were also adapted by SBP for safety systems in energy projects. independent.academia.edu
