vincent callebaut architectures: asian cairns, shenzhen, china
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'asian cairns' by vincent callebaut architectures, shenzen, china
images © vincent callebaut architectures
belgian architectect vincent callebaut is renown for taking on issues of urbanity and reframing them within an 'eco-vision.' his recent project
'asian cairns' takes aim at recurring mass rural exodus and unrestrained urbanization by proposing sustainable 'farmscrapers' that produce more
energy than they consume via food production, wind harnessing and solar power. assuming that density is inversely related to energy consumption,
the towers in 'asian cairns' use biomorphism and bionics to make an architecture that becomes cultivable in the emerging chinese megalopolis of
the pearl river delta. comprised of hong kong and shenzhen, the burgeoning megacity is in a favorable position to house callebaut's stacked, egg-like design;
itself informed by structure of cairns, a residual neolithic practice of piling stones into tall markers. these conical rock piles take on a new life as
megalithic modules that form six mixed-use towers serving to pile up housing, offices and leisure spaces. the buildings are the acme of three interlaced
eco-spirals, implanting biodiversity and density in an expanse of public orchards and urban agriculture fields. grey water from the pod-farms will be
harvested in basins and recycled using phyto-depuration, a combination of biological, physical and chemical means wherein pollutants are removed by
favoring the most efficient microbial and plant sedimentation, absorption and assimilation processes. the structural framework for each tower is a
central vertical boulevard, orthogonal in shape and optimized for composting and circulation. each 'pebble' attached to this spine is a microcosm of the
eco-city. steel rings delineate space around double decking and are enclosed by a glazed skin encrusted with a field of solar cells and a forest of
wind turbines. hanging gardens fill interstitial spaces and welcome a variety of urban farming programs. the architecture posits a solution to
the problem of exponential growth and large-scale consumption-- that cities can be viable ecosystems with city blocks mimicking forests and
buildings emulating the efficiency of trees.
the towers in the delta context
images © vincent callebaut architectures
each tower rises from a series of eco-spirals
images © vincent callebaut architectures
the orchards and greenery are rampant
images © vincent callebaut architectures
mimicking the prehistoric form of cairns, the 'stacked' pods make space
images © vincent callebaut architectures
glazing, wind turbines and ample greenery enclose the double-decker pebble
images © vincent callebaut architectures
habitable stones pile and create program
images © vincent callebaut architectures
the project strives to be energy producing
images © vincent callebaut architectures
fall views
images © vincent callebaut architectures
the vertical boulevard is the backbone of the curved forms
images © vincent callebaut architectures
the forms accommodate the possibilities for urban agriculture
images © vincent callebaut architectures
reflections of the towers on each other
images © vincent callebaut architectures
the pod's structure and first deck
images © vincent callebaut architectures
pods with building systems integration
images © vincent callebaut architectures
pod envelope
images © vincent callebaut architectures
glazing is bolstered by photovoltaic cells and axial wind turbines
images © vincent callebaut architectures
site plan
images © vincent callebaut architectures
plans of the 21 pebbles in the cairn
image © designboom
images courtesy of vincent callebaut
sections of the towers
images © vincent callebaut architectures
section detail of the ground level garage space
images © vincent callebaut architectures
section of common areas / swimming pool
images © vincent callebaut architectures
section of concert hall
images © vincent callebaut architectures
Horrid, I get the concept and lived in Shenzhen for two years. I understand the need to stand out but China is really missing a trick by not developing its own style based on utility and form. Nice renders though . . . . i guess
A truly unique design, with a commendable number of ecologically-efficient features built into the structure.
However, why is it that these types of “green tower” designs never leave enough room for the trees they boast to actually thrive? A healthy tree has a root-ball at least as large its aerial parts, often much larger. The amount of soil shown in the design would barely be enough to sustain small shrubs or tomato plants, let alone a full-grown tree.
Please, if you are going to design with vegetation, have at least a basic idea of the needs of the plants and trees you put into your design.
I would like to see the bids on glass cleaning contract.
No me gustan los aerogeneradores.
Es una pena, que con el diseño de jardines, se pongan aerogeneradores con ese diseño, que son un peligro para los pájaros. Si los aerogeneradores fuesen de otra forma, sería hasta genial.
Otra cosa, es la limpieza exterior del edificio, muy complicada.
¿Y el efecto invernadero generado por tantas ventanas?.
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I do not like wind turbines.
It’s a shame that the design of gardens, wind turbines are made with that design, they are a danger to birds. If wind turbines were otherwise, would be to great.
Another thing is the building exterior cleaning, very complicated.
What about the greenhouse effect generated many windows?.
interesting concept.
a clear case of function following form, or trying to squeeze function into whimsical machinations
I like the more detailed views of the design.
Is this the future? All needs in a vertical disposition? We won’t need to walk on the floor ever again. !
Wow, nice renders and diagrams… Building not so much; as stated above cleaning would be a hassle. ‘Eco’ vision from what I can discern is very limited to just integrating a few trees with some wind turbines – otherwise, same materials and same technique as a normal Miesian skyscraper.
Great design, should be a snap to air-condition….
Why are there deciduous trees turning red in the render? No such thing as fall in Shenzhen and it doesn’t reflect very well on the actual gardening style prevalent in Shenzhen (trees need to be spaced, especially the kind they love planting in Shenzhen). The idea of farmscrapers is an interesting idea, but will this elaborate design be actually affordable by the rural migrants of China who usually live in blocks of solid concretes with a square for a window?
This shish-kabob building can probably only exist in zero gravity and live in by brothers and sisters from another planet.
“Eco-vision” is only words when there is no sign of sincerity in the design.
Cars are stored on every floor, what does that mean and why?
Wind turbine creates serious stress on structures, and I am not sure how these installation would work installed on a building that rely on zero gravity to build.
Cleaning ? There are now self-cleaning surfaces , glass too – I can’t see no problem except of course of ignorance
All wind turbine and solar panel generated energy might not be sufficient to off set the air-conditioning required with all the glass and the solar heat gain trapped inside.
I wish more cognitive energy had been spent on this.
In an attempt to be innovative the architect of this monster became rediculous!