Turbine City

Conceptual large-scale architecture plays a starring role in many design proposals aimed at addressing climate change. It's a bit of a paradox, since new construction is often condemned for using more energy and resources than it can ever save. The architects at ON OFFICE, however, have a concept intended to contribute to overall renewable energy production in the EU. They propose a habitable wind farm called Turbine City off the coast of Norway, which would generate power and promote tourism.
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Turbine City would be located in Stavanger, Norway, which has long been in the offshore drilling industry. According to the architects, the wealth gleaned through oil could be directed toward an image makeover for Stavanger, to orient it publicly toward more sustainable pursuits.

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Norway enjoys some of the best conditions in Europe for wind power, with high windspeeds and a long coastline. While there is a perception that wind farms are visually obtrusive, among other negative associations, the ON OFFICE design sets out to remake the image of the turbine as much as the town, putting a spa, hotel and museum inside of the turbine and turning the machine itself into a luxury destination. Presumably the turbines would generate enough surplus energy not only to power Turbine City but to export power out of the country.

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While the renderings are slightly reminiscent of one of Dubai's geoengineered resorts, the addition of spinning blades may make the actual scenario quite different—that is, if the concept reaches construction.

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[via designboom]

Sarah Rich
When not working in design, Sarah Rich writes, talks and forecasts about food and consumer culture.

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