The Mind Museum champions sustainable architecture

MANILA, Philippines - Located in the premier district of Bonifacio Global City, The Mind Museum is not only a venue for learning but also an example of an ecologically responsible building. The country’s first world-class science museum, in fact, is now LEED Gold-certified by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

LEED (Leadership in Environment and Energy Design) is an internationally recognized building certification program for the design, construction and operation of high performance “green buildings.”

“Green buildings” around the world are known to enjoy a number of benefits including lowering their operating costs and increasing their asset value, while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being. The levels of certification are: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Certified.

The Mind Museum’s proponent, Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. (BAFI), worked with architecture firm Lor Calma & Partners led by Ed Calma, seasoned engineers, and LEED consultants to make The Mind Museum more efficient in using resources and preserving the environment.

The Mind Museum uses collected rainwater and condensate water for its cleaning, thus saving over 70 percent of potable water use for sewage conveyance. It also saves 22 percent more energy than an ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) compliant building due to its efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and cooling) system. Its lighting system is 95 percent LED, the most cost-efficient and environment-friendly lighting available today.

The museum also uses built-in solar-assisted air conditioners for its offices and solar panels to help light a good portion of the facility.

One of the attractions of the museum is the botanical garden. It has non-invasive species of flora that improves water absorption on the ground, which in turn helps prevent flooding.

Products with high recycled content were used in major materials, like steel and other metal requirements. Supplies for landscaping were sourced locally, hence reducing the environmental impacts brought by transportation.

The museum used paints and adhesives with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) to improve indoor air quality. It likewise has a materials recovery facility to properly dispose biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.

To avoid direct sunlight and heat island effect (HIE), The Mind Museum was designed with curved down roofs and slanted walls.  A portion of the museum’s roof is covered by vegetation for added insulation against heat. Majority of the site’s pavement is made with highly reflective materials to diminish HIE within the museum and nearby areas.