Self-sustaining "farmscrapers" proposed for Shenzhen
« Back to Article
A French architectural group recently revealed its concept for "Asian Cairns," a series of six sustainable buildings that resemble a stack of pebbles and produce their own food
A French architectural group recently revealed its concept for "Asian Cairns," a series of six sustainable buildings that resemble a stack of pebbles and produce their own food
The plans would require the buildings to be arranged over a space of 320,000 square meters (approx. 79 acres) with vegetation incorporated into almost the entire area, even the structures themselves
The plans would require the buildings to be arranged over a space of 320,000 square meters (approx. 79 acres) with vegetation incorporated into almost the entire area, even the structures themselves
The plans would require the buildings to be arranged over a space of 320,000 square meters (approx. 79 acres) with vegetation incorporated into almost the entire area, even the structures themselves
The plans would require the buildings to be arranged over a space of 320,000 square meters (approx. 79 acres) with vegetation incorporated into almost the entire area, even the structures themselves
Tasked with creating an urban structure that addresses the growing population of Shenzhen while producing more energy than it consumes, VCA decided to model a set of six buildings after cairns - man-made stacks of small rocks typically built by hikers to mark trails
Tasked with creating an urban structure that addresses the growing population of Shenzhen while producing more energy than it consumes, VCA decided to model a set of six buildings after cairns - man-made stacks of small rocks typically built by hikers to mark trails
Each "farmscraper," as the group calls them, would consist of a central tower with a series of pebble-like sections spiraling upwards around it and growing smaller toward the top
The plans call for the "pebbles" to be divided into multiple floors and shaped by concentric steel rings, which connect to the center tower through Vierendeel beams
The plans call for the "pebbles" to be divided into multiple floors and shaped by concentric steel rings, which connect to the center tower through Vierendeel beams
The idea is that each "pebble" can be customized to suit a variety of needs, like housing, office space, shops, recreation areas, etc.
Even the tops of each pebble would include space for growing plants and trees, either for food or just decoration
For energy, the designs feature plenty of photovoltaic and photo thermal solar cells, along with axial wind turbines spread along the top of each section
Each "farmscraper," as the group calls them, would consist of a central tower with a series of pebble-like sections spiraling upwards around it and growing smaller toward the top
A French architectural group recently revealed its concept for "Asian Cairns," a series of six sustainable buildings that resemble a stack of pebbles and produce their own food
For energy, the designs feature plenty of photovoltaic and photo thermal solar cells, along with axial wind turbines spread along the top of each section
The plans call for the "pebbles" to be divided into multiple floors and shaped by concentric steel rings, which connect to the center tower through Vierendeel beams
The main tower would link each section and essentially transform each building into a self-sufficient community, reducing the need for much outside travel and decreasing carbon emissions in the area as a result
The idea is that each "pebble" can be customized to suit a variety of needs, like housing, office space, shops, recreation areas, etc.
The idea is that each "pebble" can be customized to suit a variety of needs, like housing, office space, shops, recreation areas, etc.
Each "farmscraper," as the group calls them, would consist of a central tower with a series of pebble-like sections spiraling upwards around it and growing smaller toward the top
Each "farmscraper," as the group calls them, would consist of a central tower with a series of pebble-like sections spiraling upwards around it and growing smaller toward the top
Each "farmscraper," as the group calls them, would consist of a central tower with a series of pebble-like sections spiraling upwards around it and growing smaller toward the top
A French architectural group recently revealed its concept for "Asian Cairns," a series of six sustainable buildings that resemble a stack of pebbles and produce their own food
VCA mapped out the buildings for an private client, but has not revealed any plan to actually build them at this time
VCA mapped out the buildings for an private client, but has not revealed any plan to actually build them at this time
The outer walls would be transparent to allow sunlight into each pebble, turning some spaces into functional greenhouses for growing fresh produce
The outer walls would be transparent to allow sunlight into each pebble, turning some spaces into functional greenhouses for growing fresh produce
Even the tops of each pebble would include space for growing plants and trees, either for food or just decoration
Even the tops of each pebble would include space for growing plants and trees, either for food or just decoration
The Asian Cairn designers heavily incorporated vegetation into the mix as well with various orchards and gardens scattered both inside and outside the buildings
The Asian Cairn designers heavily incorporated vegetation into the mix as well with various orchards and gardens scattered both inside and outside the buildings
The Asian Cairn designers heavily incorporated vegetation into the mix as well with various orchards and gardens scattered both inside and outside the buildings
Tasked with creating an urban structure that addresses the growing population of Shenzhen while producing more energy than it consumes, VCA decided to model a set of six buildings after cairns - man-made stacks of small rocks typically built by hikers to mark trails
Article Summary
As one of the most densely populated cities in China, Shenzhen has been dealing with a sudden population boom for years now, leaving urban planners scrambling for innovative building designs that manage resources and space more efficiently. There have been a few unusual proposals, but the latest design from French architectural firm, Vincent Callebaut Architects, probably takes the cake. The group recently revealed its concept for "Asian Cairns," a series of six sustainable buildings that resemble a stack of pebbles and produce their own food.
« Back to Self-sustaining "farmscrapers" proposed for Shenzhen
Other Images from this Gallery
Related Articles
-
China's Essence Financial Building ditches traditional form for better function
8th February, 2013
-
Burj Al-Taqa: self-sufficient skyscraper design
5th June, 2008
-
AeroVironment awarded patents for wind-power system
13th April, 2008
-
Shenzhen's solar-and-wind-powered skyscraper
1st March, 2009
-
Circular tower proposed for Taichung City, Taiwan
20th October, 2011
-
Using a skin graft to give city eyesores an eco-friendly face-lift
11th February, 2010
