China’s waste incineration sector is experiencing rapid growth, aligning with one of the government’s key pillars in its fight against pollution. As a result, there is a swift transition from outdated landfill methods toward more modern incineration techniques. Beyond environmental concerns, this shift also reflects an image-building effort by cities and provinces, with many projects designed to enhance national visibility and prestige.
In this context, our client — embarking on their first project in the waste-to-energy field — expressed a clear desire to construct an incineration plant that would earn national recognition. A small private design competition was organized, which we won thanks to a compelling concept that matched the client’s ambitions.
THE CONCEPT: A PLAYFUL FACADE – THE HIVE
Our idea to make this incineration plant more citizen-friendly was to let the building’s facade tell its story. Just as bees gather nectar from flower to flower before returning to the hive to make honey, garbage trucks “gather” waste from bins and deliver it to the plant, where electricity is generated through incineration.
More than just an aesthetic feature, the facade serves as an engaging communication tool about environmental issues, waste sorting, and renewable energy. These topics, although relatively new to many local communities, are becoming increasingly vital in everyday life.
The project also includes a museum component, which showcases not only the story behind the plant’s design and construction but also the incineration process, energy production, and the broader environmental benefits.
Client
SUS Environment
Project Team
Architect: AIA Architectes
Program
Urban waste incineration plant, with additional buildings for offices, staff accommodation, and a gymnasium
Surface Area
54,000 m²
Cost
1.4 billion yuan
Timeline
Completion : October 2017