CHINA SEES THE LIGHT
by Candice Lim

The lantern-shaped Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies in Ningbo is a 22-metre-tall beacon of sustainability—the winner of the 2009 MIPIM Green Building Award has been designed to minimise its environmental impact by promoting energy efficiency, generating its own energy from renewable sources, and using locally available materials with low embodied energy wherever possible.

It is easy to see where the design inspiration of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (CSET) came from.

Standing picturesque in a large meadow alongside a stream, the building has dramatic façades that 'fold' to form dynamic shapes, bringing to mind traditional Chinese lanterns and wooden screens. Entirely clad with a double skin of glass with screen printed patterns that evoke historical buildings of the area, the appearance of the centre changes as a result of its diverse façades.

But more than a pretty sight, the lantern-shaped centre is a 22-metre-tall beacon of sustainability—the winner of the 2009 MIPIM Green Building Award has been designed to minimise its environmental impact by promoting energy efficiency, generating its own energy from renewable sources, and using locally available materials with low embodied energy wherever possible.

The CSET, located within the Koo Lee Institute of Sustainable Environments opened by Nottingham University in Ningbo, serves as an exemplar building demonstrating state-of-the-art techniques for environmentally responsible, sustainable construction and energy-efficient internal environmental control.

Designed by Italian firm Mario Cucinella Architects and completed in 2008, the 1,200-square metre building accommodates a visitors' centre, research laboratories and classrooms for Masters courses. Its main function is to provide staff and postgraduate students with specialised laboratory facilities to research on new and renewable energy systems and components for both domestic (housing) and non-domestic (commercial and public) buildings, in collaboration with local and international partners.

Linked to the laboratory facilities is a workshop for fabrication of experimental rigs, etc., and the development of new components. The tower incorporates a research studio/teaching room, a resource room, as well as offices, meeting rooms and a permanent display space. The exhibition space provides a platform for communicating the latest developments in sustainable energy and construction technologies, both in China and internationally.

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