Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects: Shenzen Energy Ring
The goal with the Shenzen Energy Ring was to design a waste-to-energy plant that is simple, clean, iconic, and an indicator of the forward-thinking technological developments that are being made within the waste-to-energy sector in China. The plant should be portrayed not only to the residents of Shenzhen as a local educational monument, but also as an educational symbol for the world.
Shenzen Energy Ring
For Schmidt Hammer Lassen, there is a strong emphasis on sustainability and on understanding the site itself. In partnership with Gottlieb Paludan Architects, who are experts in tackling complex technical challenges through innovation and strategic architectural planning, the mixed team was able to propose a clean circular form for the plant, which controlled the environmental footprint of the building. This resulted in a low waste production process and, not least, an economically feasible and environmentally conscious way to generate electricity.
Thus, the waste-to-energy plant represents itself as a functioning circular technical process to provide a solution while also serving as an educative landmark that confronts the environmental concerns we face today.
The immense value of the project was created by joining forces to align both firms’ design principles of innovation and sustainability and meet ambitious standards for the building, its production, and its environmental impact.
About Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects (SHL) was founded in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1986. The firm is one of Scandinavia’s most recognized and award-winning architectural practices. Working out of studios located in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Shanghai, the firm provides skilled architectural services all over the world, with a distinguished track record as designers of international, high-profile architecture.
Cultural and educational buildings, offices, commercial, retail, and residential buildings, often in mixed-use developments and complex urban contexts, are cornerstones of the firm’s output. SHL has extensive global experience in the design of libraries and other public and cultural landmark buildings. Their innovative, sustainable, and democratic approach to architecture has attracted global attention, winning more than 100 national and international awards.
In 2018, SHL became part of the global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will.