In the conventional sense, production is purely practical, and the beauty of industrial buildings is the last thing considered. However, in rare cases, the opposite happens: plants and stations try to attract attention by creating an unusual, striking appearance. And it turns out some can be really very spectacular! Let's take a look at some examples.
MOP waste treatment plant, Osaka, Japan
We all know that Japan is a small, densely populated, but at the same time very clean and advanced country. And it's the same when it comes to recycling: the island nation is quite reverent about zero-waste production.
The Japanese decided to draw attention to the problem of pollution of the world ocean and air in an original way. They put one of the garbage processing plants in a bright, colorful design. When you look at it, it looks like an amusement park, a children's center, an exhibition hall or a museum... but definitely not something associated with industry, grayness and dirt.
Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser worked on the look of the Osaka plant. It is noteworthy that Vienna (the capital of Hundertwasser's homeland) has a "brother" of MORA - a similarly colorful garbage recycling plant.
Copenhill Thermal Station, Copenhagen, Denmark
One of the most famous buildings in the world with unusual architecture. And the matter is not only in its appearance, but also in its amazing functionality. The station is engaged in recycling waste and environmentally friendly energy generation for the city - this is its main task.
However, the benefits for the residents of the capital of Denmark do not end there. There is a promenade and a slope for skiing and snowboarding. "As an appetizer" - one of the walls is allocated for a rock-climbing wall. Its height is 80 meters, which is currently a record for artificial climbing walls on the planet.
McLaren Production Center, Woking, UK
The factory of elite cars, perhaps, could afford anything. And the British decided to make "good" not only for themselves, but also for the environment. In general, the concept of "environmentally friendly factory" is no news, but every time such a project is realized, we want to say "Bravo!" to those who realized it.
The McLaren plant in the UK is astonishing both to the eye and the mind. First of all, it is simply beautiful - especially if you look from a bird's eye view. There's greenery all around, flowing shapes and an organic fit into the landscape. Secondly, the architects and engineers made the most of the opportunity to utilize natural resources. Thus, on the territory of the plant there is a huge reservoir where rainwater is collected (for further use). And of course, a large amount of electricity is obtained thanks to solar panels.
Ceramica Solimene, Vietri sul Mare, Italy.
Usually by the appearance of production buildings is not quite clear what is made here. And sometimes you can be deceived (as with the same waste processing plant in Osaka, see above). But the factory Ceramica Solimene once and for all eliminated the question about its own "person".
The town of Vietri sul Mare has been creating ceramics for centuries. The facade of the factory, which has been in operation for more than half a century, is made of their remains and specially created facing tiles. This has made it one of the main attractions of Vietri sul Mare.
Cantina Antinori Winery, Bargino, Italy
Another example of caring for the environment and preserving the natural landscape is the Cantina Antinori Winery in Bargino. All the production, tasting rooms and exhibition halls are literally underground - and the vineyards are planted on top, which no one will disturb.
At the same time, the architects have ingeniously solved the issue of lighting: large spaces are filled with both artificial and natural light, and there is no shortage of it. So both the workers at the winery and its guests feel as comfortable as possible.
Powerbarn thermal power plant, Russi, Italy
One of the examples of modern architecture that embodies strength, simplicity of geometric lines, monumentality and at the same time environmental friendliness. Powerbarn was erected on the site of a former sugar factory, becoming a source of heat for 84 thousand inhabitants. But the whole point is that the power plant does two useful things at once: it generates heat while utilizing biological waste.
The fuels used are animal waste from livestock farms, sawdust and wood chips, hay and straw, as well as peat. A huge solar panel has been installed for the plant, so that the production is almost entirely clean, from renewable sources.
Integral Industrial Complex, Guilin, China
The Integral textile factory in Guangxi province decided it was boring to be just a factory. Conventional fabric production is the last century, and in China they are used to keeping up with the times and being ahead of it. That's why they decided to make the production zone a beautiful public space, roughly speaking - to "build" beautiful workshops into a functional modern park.
On the territory of Integral complex there are walking and recreation areas, beautiful landscaped gardens (there is also a botanical garden), exhibition and crafts halls for visitors, as well as retail premises and restaurants. All this splendor is operated as "cleanly" as possible: with careful use and conservation of natural resources.
Water Factory Vortex Center, Gippsland, Australia
The Water Factory Vortex Center is, at its core, a very ordinary water treatment plant that supplies tap water to the people of Gippsland. However, there are two important things about it: the appearance and the education center that teaches Australians about environmental stewardship and wise consumption of resources. In particular, fresh water.
Well, the appearance... everything is clear here. A huge funnel pipe invariably attracts the attention of all those who pass by.
Bombay Sapphire Gin Factory, Hampshire, UK
The small stone factory itself looks nice and cozy - quite English. However, its owners decided to add a "zest" in the form of a botanical garden in a futuristic design. What grows there? Ingredients for gin, of course!
Reference: about halfway through the process of making gin, aromatic plant components are added to the alcohol-containing part, which give the drink a unique flavor. Usually these are juniper berries, fennel, angelica root, cardamom, coriander, etc.
Of course, visitors to the factory can also see the process of making gin. In short, a full-fledged tour of Bombay Sapphire is provided to the guests!
Jakob Rope Systems steel rope manufacturing plant, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
"Rope manufacturing" doesn't sound very exciting, you'll agree. However, Vietnamese people will argue with you - especially those who have seen this factory in Ho Chi Minh City. One continuous greenery, through which you can guess strictly geometric architectural forms - this is Jakob Rope Systems.
Decorating the facade with vertical gardens, as well as equipping the internal green courtyard solves several problems at once. It's fighting air pollution, creating new jobs (after all, someone needs to take care of the plants!), and maintaining ecology and aesthetics.
Bonus: Vassiliko Cement Plant in Cyprus
Of course, the Vassiliko Cement Works is not an architectural masterpiece, but the company still took care of the pleasant appearance. Some parts of the buildings are painted in green color to harmonize with the environment. In addition, cement production is becoming more and more environmentally friendly every year. So Cyprus, within its own scale, has also made some progress in mastering the "beautiful industry".
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