BIOMIMETICS

   The Eastgate Centre works in the same way; when air enters the lower part of the building it is either cooled or warmed depending on whether the concrete of the building or the outside air is hotter. It then flows to the buildings floors and makes its way to the top of the building, exiting  through the chimney. Eastgate Centre consists of two buildings side-by-side, separated by a glass wall. Fans continuously replenish the buildings with fresh air by pushing the air up vertically through vents centrally located in each building, replacing the atmosphere with fresh air and pushing the stale air out through the chimney. This termite-inspired way of keeping buildings properly heated and cooled is not only eco friendly, but also saves the company $3.5 million dollars in heating and air systems installation. In addition, tenants who rent at Eastgate have 20% lower rents than surrounding buildings with typical air systems. This imitation of a termite mound in an actual city building benefits many people. Engineers benefit because they get more business to properly set up the building with this new way of ventilation. People occupying the buildings benefit from the comfortable and more natural flow of air throughout the building. Comfortable people, in turn, are good for business.