The new Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies for the University of Nottingham has been inaugurated in Ningbo, China on May 23^rd 2008.

An opening ceremony was held in the presence of representatives of Nottingham University and local dignitaries.

The Project

Nottingham University has opened a campus in Ningbo in the heart of the Zhijiang district. The Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (CSET) will focus on the diffusion of sustainable technologies such as solar power, photovoltaic energy, wind power and so forth. The 1,300m2 building accommodates a visitors centre, research laboratories and classrooms for masters courses.  The pavilion stands in a large meadow alongside a stream that runs through the campus. It’s design is inspired by Chinese lanterns and traditional wooden screens.  

The façade folds dramatically to create a dynamic shape. The building is entirely clad with a double skin of glass  with screen printed patterns evoking historical buildings of the area. The appearance of the building changes from day to night.

The design employs various environmental strategies. A large rooftop opening brings natural light to all floors of the building simultaneously creating a flue effect to allow efficient natural ventilation and geothermal energy is used to cool and heat the floor slabs.

WHERE

The University of Nottingham

Ningbo, China

WHEN

23 May 2008