Architecture

Vincent Callebaut unveils ambitious sustainable mall concept

Vincent Callebaut unveils ambitious sustainable mall concept
The Wooden Orchids project, by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
The Wooden Orchids project, by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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The Wooden Orchids project, by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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The Wooden Orchids project, by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
The Wooden Orchids project concerns a large sustainable shopping mall complex proposed for Jiangxi Province, China
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The Wooden Orchids project concerns a large sustainable shopping mall complex proposed for Jiangxi Province, China
Wooden Orchids comprises twin wooden buildings joined by multiple footbridges
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Wooden Orchids comprises twin wooden buildings joined by multiple footbridges
Located on a plot measuring a total of 20,000 sq m (215,278 sq ft), the buildings have a total usable floorspace of 30,000 sq m (322,917 sq ft)
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Located on a plot measuring a total of 20,000 sq m (215,278 sq ft), the buildings have a total usable floorspace of 30,000 sq m (322,917 sq ft)
Each mall has three main floors, plus a mezzanine and attic space
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Each mall has three main floors, plus a mezzanine and attic space
It's a complex concept and Callebaut packs in an impressive amount of detail
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It's a complex concept and Callebaut packs in an impressive amount of detail
The design draws cues from orchids
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The design draws cues from orchids
The northern section of mall would include cinemas, a public library, gym, and restaurants
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The northern section of mall would include cinemas, a public library, gym, and restaurants
Its counterpart would feature 200 shops promoting organic foods
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Its counterpart would feature 200 shops promoting organic foods
Callebaut says his sustainable mall would use 70 percent less energy overall than a typical similar structure
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Callebaut says his sustainable mall would use 70 percent less energy overall than a typical similar structure
The concept calls for rainwater harvesting, passive cooling, and a geothermal heating system
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The concept calls for rainwater harvesting, passive cooling, and a geothermal heating system
Large solar panel-clad canopies generate much of the electricity required, while solar heaters produce hot water
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Large solar panel-clad canopies generate much of the electricity required, while solar heaters produce hot water
The Wooden Orchids project, by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
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The Wooden Orchids project, by Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Wind turbines would be installed to produce additional electricity
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Wind turbines would be installed to produce additional electricity
The large green roof would include vegetables and play areas for children
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The large green roof would include vegetables and play areas for children
Recycled building materials and recycled furniture would be used throughout
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Recycled building materials and recycled furniture would be used throughout
Alas, Callebaut reports that the Wooden Orchids project merely received an honorable mention in the architecture competition it was entered into
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Alas, Callebaut reports that the Wooden Orchids project merely received an honorable mention in the architecture competition it was entered into
For now, at least, it would seem it's back to the drawing board for the Belgian architect
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For now, at least, it would seem it's back to the drawing board for the Belgian architect
Vincent Callebaut continues to plot his vision of how he'd like to remake our cities
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Vincent Callebaut continues to plot his vision of how he'd like to remake our cities
The Wooden Orchids project concerns a large sustainable shopping mall complex proposed for Jiangxi Province, China
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The Wooden Orchids project concerns a large sustainable shopping mall complex proposed for Jiangxi Province, China
Wooden Orchids comprises twin wooden buildings joined by multiple footbridges
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Wooden Orchids comprises twin wooden buildings joined by multiple footbridges
It's a complex concept and Callebaut packs in an impressive amount of detail
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It's a complex concept and Callebaut packs in an impressive amount of detail
Each mall has three main floors, plus a mezzanine and attic space
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Each mall has three main floors, plus a mezzanine and attic space
Located on a plot measuring a total of 20,000 sq m (215,278 sq ft), they measure a total usable floorspace of 30,000 sq m (322,917 sq ft)
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Located on a plot measuring a total of 20,000 sq m (215,278 sq ft), they measure a total usable floorspace of 30,000 sq m (322,917 sq ft)
The northern section of mall would include cinemas, a public library, gym, and restaurants
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The northern section of mall would include cinemas, a public library, gym, and restaurants
Its counterpart would feature 200 shops promoting organic foods
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Its counterpart would feature 200 shops promoting organic foods
Wind turbines would be installed to produce additional electricity
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Wind turbines would be installed to produce additional electricity
Callebaut says his sustainable mall would use 70 percent less energy overall than a typical similar structure
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Callebaut says his sustainable mall would use 70 percent less energy overall than a typical similar structure
Many regular readers will be familiar with Vincent Callebaut's body of work, and this continues in a similar vein
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Many regular readers will be familiar with Vincent Callebaut's body of work, and this continues in a similar vein
Large solar panel-clad canopies generate much of the electricity required, while solar heaters produce hot water
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Large solar panel-clad canopies generate much of the electricity required, while solar heaters produce hot water
Alas, Callebaut reports that the Wooden Orchids project merely received an honorable mention in the architecture competition it was entered into
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Alas, Callebaut reports that the Wooden Orchids project merely received an honorable mention in the architecture competition it was entered into
For now, at least, it would seem it's back to the drawing board for the Belgian architect
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For now, at least, it would seem it's back to the drawing board for the Belgian architect
Wooden Orchids comprises twin wooden buildings joined by multiple footbridges
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Wooden Orchids comprises twin wooden buildings joined by multiple footbridges
The concept features some very ambitious sustainable design
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The concept features some very ambitious sustainable design
Callebaut says his sustainable mall would use 70 percent less energy overall than a typical similar structure
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Callebaut says his sustainable mall would use 70 percent less energy overall than a typical similar structure
Large multi-level carparks are located underground
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Large multi-level carparks are located underground
It's a complex concept and Callebaut packs in an impressive amount of detail
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It's a complex concept and Callebaut packs in an impressive amount of detail
The concept draws design cues from orchids
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The concept draws design cues from orchids
The Wooden Orchids project concerns a large sustainable shopping mall complex proposed for Jiangxi Province, China
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The Wooden Orchids project concerns a large sustainable shopping mall complex proposed for Jiangxi Province, China
Inside the mall
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Inside the mall
While impressive, it looks like Wooden Orchids will remain on the drawing board for now
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While impressive, it looks like Wooden Orchids will remain on the drawing board for now
The northern section of mall would include cinemas, a public library, gym, and restaurants
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The northern section of mall would include cinemas, a public library, gym, and restaurants
Its counterpart would feature 200 shops promoting organic foods, in addition to a farmers market which sports transparent facades
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Its counterpart would feature 200 shops promoting organic foods, in addition to a farmers market which sports transparent facades
Wooden Orchids would include 200 shops promoting organic foods
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Wooden Orchids would include 200 shops promoting organic foods
The concept calls for rainwater harvesting, passive cooling, and a geothermal heating system
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The concept calls for rainwater harvesting, passive cooling, and a geothermal heating system
Inside the mall
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Inside the mall
Inside the mall
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Inside the mall
The Wooden Orchids project concerns a large sustainable shopping mall complex proposed for Jiangxi Province, China
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The Wooden Orchids project concerns a large sustainable shopping mall complex proposed for Jiangxi Province, China
View gallery - 48 images

Regular readers are likely familiar with Vincent Callebaut's futuristic output by now, and the Belgian architect is at it again with a new project that follows in much the same vein as its predecessors. The Wooden Orchids project envisions a large sustainable shopping mall in Jiangxi Province, China, that boasts solar and wind power, geothermal heating, rainwater recycling, and a design that's part-inspired by the orchid.

Wooden Orchids comprises twin buildings which sit very close together and are joined by multiple footbridges. Located on a plot measuring a total of 20,000 sq m (215,278 sq ft), they sport a total usable floorspace of 30,000 sq m (322,917 sq ft). Each building has three main floors, plus a mezzanine and attic space. It's a remarkably complex concept, and draws inspiration from various sources, including orchids, on account of its proximity to a noted local flower garden.

The northernmost building would include cinemas, a public library, a gym and restaurants, while its counterpart would boast 200 shops which promote organic foods, in addition to a farmers market. Customers would be able to visit flower tea gardens and partake in flower therapy, according to the firm. Though ample bicycle parking is available, cars are relegated to large multi-level carparks hidden underground.

While impressive, it looks like Wooden Orchids will remain on the drawing board for now
While impressive, it looks like Wooden Orchids will remain on the drawing board for now

Callebaut reckons his sustainable mall would use 70 percent less energy overall than a typical similar structure. The concept calls for a glut of sustainable technology, including rainwater harvesting, passive cooling, and a geothermal heating system that involves piping water deep underground.

Large solar panel-clad canopies would generate much of the electricity required, while solar hot water heaters would provide hot water. Wind turbines would offer some additional juice, and the large green roof would include vegetables and play areas for children. In addition, recycled building materials and recycled furniture would be used where possible.

Alas, the Wooden Orchids project received "only" an honorable mention in the architectural competition in which it was entered, and so its prospects of being realized appear dim.

Source: Vincent Callebaut Architectures

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