MVVA Geothermal / Singapore's Common Services Tunnel

"The new buildings at the Jefferson National Memorial Arch complex will employ a highly energy efficient radiant floor system for heating and cooling. A network of piping will circulate liquid through the exposed concrete structure and through the earth and the river to take advantage of the natural tempering and heat-exchange effects of the earth and the river. During the cooling season, the liquid will be cooled by both the natural springs in the earth which are at a constant temperature of 51 degrees Fahrenheit, while during the heating season the natural insulating effects of the earth and the springs will keep the liquid above the freezing temperature, reducing the need for additional mechanical conditioning."

This paragraph is from the MVVA plan for the arch grounds, and it is accompanied by this image.

What is great about this idea is that it makes the arch grounds themselves work for the museum.  MVVA would use the river, the ponds, and cave temperatures to the advantage of the museum on a year-round basis.

What would be even more amazing would be if the arch grounds and the I-70 corridor could be set up for the benefit of every building in the proximity of the park.

This is the depressed section of the old I-70 alignment.

This is the common services tunnel for Singapore's Marina Bay.

In Singapore the summer never ends, and the need for air-conditioning never stops.  This means construction projects can continue year-round without any seasonal problems, there is no need for heating systems, and all architecture can be built expressly with cooling in mind:  void decks, heat sinks, shade, fans, etc. 

Since Japan beat them by shutting off their water in WWII, Singapore has dedicated itself to a policy of reducing reliance on imports. This includes drinking water and electricity. For a small island of 5,000,000 people, being nearly ecologically self-sufficient is impressive.  According to one source, air-conditioning makes up 70% of all electricity use in Singapore's commercial buildings.  This means that it is an easy target for a government obsessed with planning, saving money, and corporate competitiveness.

Marina Bay is a multi-faceted megaproject that doubled the size of Singapore's central business district.

The common services tunnel, along with a new subway line, and all sorts of other amenities were all put in before the buildings went up. 

The most interesting aspect of the common services tunnel is the district cooling plan.  There are two massive chilling facilities at the ends that supply cold water to all the buildings in the middle.  This is the first unit,

It's a large facility integrated into a pair of high-rise office towers maintained by trained professionals.  Because this exists, other buildings along the common services tunnel do not need to have their own systems, and the overall energy use is greatly reduced.

Developers are likely to save money on their investments.

Tenants are likely to save money on their monthly utility fees.

In conclusion,

Everyone I have talked to agrees that when I-70 is moved and no longer runs though downtown, the current interstate infrastructure has to go--the elevated sections especially.  The depressed lanes could be filled in, made into a large Michigan Avenue style parking garage, used as stormwater drainage for MSD, or...   Perhaps a St. Louis version of a common services tunnel could be created for the benefit of everyone downtown.  District cooling and district heating are proven methods for saving electricity in high density areas.  It makes sense to integrate these with a nearby river, an already existing trench, and a history of using caves for refrigeration.

This blog does not think the MVVA plan is the best for St. Louis, but the geothermal ideas for the arch grounds should remain part of the regional conversation.