Through the strategy of a double-skin facade, the design of the power substation aims to create a “breathing, growing, and energy-storing” Green Island that serves as a vessel for symbiosis and mutual benefit between humans and nature. The southern and eastern sides, with their ample sunlight exposure and high energy storage efficiency, utilize solar photovoltaic panels as the primary facade material. At the lowest level, mechanically operable solar panels are installed. During winter, when the sun’s altitude angle is low, the panels remain vertical to maximize sunlight absorption. In summer, when the sun’s altitude angle is high, the panels open to allow more sunlight penetration while also providing shaded activity spaces for pedestrians. The northern and western facades, facing the planned residential communities, are constructed with perforated aluminum panels integrated with planting troughs. These create an ecological barrier, offering ample growing space for plants and enabling the green walls to evolve dynamically over time with the changing seasons.
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Green Island
Infrastructure (Concept)
Firm
T.E.N
Architect/Designer
Xudong Zhu
Design Team
Xudong Zhu
Location
Shanghai, China
Country
China
Photographer/Copyright
©Xudong Zhu
The outward-protruding double facade on the southern side effectively shields the site from traffic interference on Jialuo Road. This design also forms a linear street park along the southern edge of the site, connecting the planned residential neighborhood to the west, an activity plaza, and a kindergarten to the east. This transformation turns a previously passive and inactive urban boundary into a vibrant and lively public space.