'Farmscrapers' take eco-friendly architecture to dizzying heights in China
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A French architecture firm has unveiled their new ambitious 'farmscraper' project - six towering structures which promise to change the way that we think about green living.
Click here to view the plans for Asian Cairns
Vincent Callebaut Architects’ innovative Asian Cairns was planned specifically for Chinese city Shenzhen in response to the growing population, increasing CO2 emissions and urban development.
The structures will consist of a series of pebble-shaped levels - each connected by a central spinal column - which will contain residential areas, offices, and leisure spaces.
Sustainability is key to the innovative project – wind turbines will cover the roof of each tower, water recycling systems will be in place to recycle waste water, and solar panels will be installed on the buildings, providing renewable energy. The structures will also have gardens on the exterior, further adding to the project's green credentials.
Vincent Callebaut, the Belgian architect behind the firm, is well-known for his ambitious, eco-friendly projects, winning many awards over the years.
His self-sufficient amphibious city Lilypad – 'a floating ecopolis for climate refugees' - is perhaps his most famous design. The model has been proposed as a long-term solution to rising water levels, and successfully meets the four challenges of climate, biodiversity, water, and health, that the OECD laid out in 2008.
Vincent Callebaut Architects said: "It is a prototype to build a green, dense, smart city connected by technology and eco-designed from biotechnologies."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments