A groundbreaking pavilion that uses 70 percent less energy than traditional air conditioning has been installed on Governors Island in New York, demonstrating innovative cooling technology for outdoor public spaces. The KlimaKover pavilion, developed through a collaboration between Danish architecture studio Henning Larsen and the University of Pennsylvania, offers a promising alternative to conventional cooling systems as global temperatures continue to rise.
Located just a 10-minute walk from Governors Island's ferry terminal, the distinctive silver-clad structure features several cooling panels that support an expansive roof constructed from wooden units covered in fabric shading. The pavilion was created in partnership with the Thermal Architecture Lab at the University of Pennsylvania and AIL Research, specifically addressing the growing threat of dangerous global heatwaves that pose serious risks to public health when people are left exposed to extreme temperatures.
The pavilion's innovative cooling system relies on radiant cooling technology powered entirely by rooftop solar panels. Four cooling panels positioned on a concrete foundation intersect at the center of the structure, where transparent silver membranes contain specialized "microtubes" filled with chilled water. This technology, known as membrane-assisted radiant cooling, works by drawing heat directly from people's bodies to provide cooling relief within 5 to 7 minutes, with the full cooling effect becoming pronounced after 20 minutes of exposure.
"While radiant cooling is not as well-known as radiant heating, it relies on a similar concept," explained representatives from the University of Pennsylvania. "The goal is to create zones where people feel cool as the panels draw heat away from their bodies. Because it doesn't require dehumidification, it doesn't cause condensation and uses 70 percent less energy than traditional AC." This energy efficiency is achieved because the system doesn't need to dehumidify air, eliminating the condensation issues typically associated with conventional air conditioning systems.
Beyond the active cooling panels, the pavilion incorporates several "passive" panels covered in reflective materials that bounce heat away from the exterior while directing cool air toward the interior space. The roof structure consists of 4-foot by 4-foot wooden cubes, each covered with fabric swaths that provide additional shading for visitors below. This multi-layered approach to cooling combines both active and passive strategies to maximize comfort while minimizing energy consumption.
Sustainability played a crucial role in the pavilion's construction, with the structure primarily built from an upcycled material called Carbon Smart Wood, a silky cedar wood product specifically chosen for its environmental benefits and ease of disassembly. The entire system was designed with modularity and cost-effectiveness in mind, allowing it to be scaled up and reconfigured for deployment in various public spaces including schoolyards, bus stops, markets, and construction sites where workers and the public need relief from extreme heat.
"KlimaKover will allow visitors arriving from New York City and the world to experience outdoor cooling," said Dorit Aviv, director of the Thermal Architecture Lab. "This is an important demonstration, paving the way for the widescale adoption of low-energy cooling." The project represents a significant step forward in developing sustainable cooling solutions that can be implemented in urban environments where traditional air conditioning is impractical or prohibitively expensive.
The project received funding from the Ramboll Foundation and involved an extensive team of collaborators. Research and development was conducted by the University of Pennsylvania's Weitzman School of Design, while Henning Larsen served as the design architect and sustainability consultant. AIL Research developed the radiant cooling system, FastEpp handled structural design, and construction was carried out by SKANSKA and SITUS. Additional partners included the Trust for Governors Island, wood manufacturer Cambium, shade manufacturers Mecho and Springs Window Fashions, and solar panel provider Ontility.
This innovative pavilion demonstrates how architecture and engineering can work together to address climate challenges while creating comfortable public spaces. As cities worldwide grapple with rising temperatures and the need for sustainable cooling solutions, projects like KlimaKover offer a glimpse into the future of energy-efficient climate control for outdoor environments. The success of this demonstration could pave the way for widespread adoption of similar technologies in public spaces across the globe, providing crucial heat relief while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional cooling methods.
