The area below the floor acts as a plenum for the FlexSys system, eliminating the need for expensive branch ductwork and freeing up ceiling space. As the above diagram shows, conditioned air enters the workspace via air terminals that can be located — and easily relocated — anywhere within the raised-floor grid. A variableair- volume (VAV) design, which uses less energy than ceilingmounted VAV systems, reduces air-distribution energy. In addition, indoor air quality (IAQ) is improved because the conditioned air is delivered where it does the most good — at the floor-level breathing zone, not above people's heads.

Interestingly, The Lincoln Building floor-to-ceiling heights easily accommodated York's state-of-the-art installation. Edward Dinicola, president of EPD Consulting, the project management firm in charge of York's build-out, says, "The FlexSys system brings HVAC into the 21st century with its controls, flexibility and improved air quality."