What is it?
Underfloor Air
Underfloor Wire & Cable
Why use it?
Who's using it?
What others are saying
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Energy Efficient Strategies
Design & Construction
Case Studies

Testimonials
Architect

Architect: Rick Cook, Cook+Fox
Article: Designing Light and Air
Newsweek, March 2008
What makes the Bank of America Tower sustainable?
It will save about half the energy that most buildings its size would use. But the real story is in terms of health, productivity and light—what we like to call "biophilia," a term coined by E. O. Wilson. People feel better when they feel connected to nature. So we've created naturally lit environments, and fresh air of as high a quality as possible, with underfloor air-delivery systems so people can control the air at their workstations.

Architect:  R. Stephen Spinazzola, P.E., Vice President, Applied Technology Group, RTKL
Article: Good Sense: Underfloor air distribution is gaining popularity in today's built environment
Consulting-Specifying Engineer, January 2007
This article covers many aspects of UFAD:  comfort, cost, IAQ, flexibility, etc.  Below is just one quote of many.  Please see full article for more quotes on the benefits of UFAD.

"A major misperception about UFAD centers on the expense. There is a misconception that buildings with UFAD are more expensive to build, maintain and run than those buildings using conventional overhead cooling.  To the contrary, if implemented properly, UFAD buildings are designed and built for virtually the same cost as conventional design. And there are added advantages: UFAD systems provide an alternative method of delivering space conditioning and wiring in offices as well as other commercial buildings. Also, in addition to cost savings, UFAD offers versatility in building renovation because all of the systems are easily available."
Architect: William McDonough + Partners
Article: Feature on William McDonough
Today's Facility Manager Magazine June 2003 - William McDonough, Principal & Founder
“Our use of raised floors on a large scale is a real serious idea. We’ve had thousands of architects come through our buildings to witness our use of raised flooring. We’re seeing raised flooring as the standard in Silicon Valley. It allows us to use nighttime air, so everybody has fresh air. It’s a marvelous thing.”
Architect: The Design Alliance
Article: 3 Case Studies for Improved IAQ
Environmental Design + Construction Magazine January 2001 - Martin Powell, Principal
Quote regarding the use of access flooring and underfloor air in the design for Alcoa’s new headquarters. “Not only did the system allow the designers to go with an 11’ 6” ceiling for improved day-lighting…but it also reduced ductwork, and most importantly for Powell, reduced the amount of money spent on office reorganization…So we realized the need to be able to make changes in 24 hours that used to take three months.”
Architect: Gensler
Website: www.gensler.com
Sustainable Design (23 KB)
“As designer of the first large scale U.S. office building to use underfloor air systems, Gensler has been at the forefront of the movement for responsible design that considers the impact of decisions today on our lives tomorrow. And a sustainable approach produces the business results that matter for our clients: Reduced energy and operating costs, Improved image and marketing advantages, enhanced workplace performance and quality of life.” 
Architect: Astorino
Article: Changing the Rules August 2002 - Elmer Burger, Principal
www.buildings.com
Quote regarding the use of access flooring and underfloor air in the design for PNC Firstside Center, the largest U.S. Green Building Council’s certified building achieving a Silver level award under its LEED program. “…To achieve the needed high flexibility, the facility was designed with modular flooring. As a result, relocation costs dropped to $300 per employee…The facility’s hybrid air distribution system also delivers maximum user comfort and control…Many people were skeptical and said it was not economical, but we persisted. We analyzed costs closely…and realized the economy was there…The trick is to look at the whole picture.”