Blending with the Jungles: Juan Herreros’ ITER Complex

Architects of this era are focusing their creative energies to churn out futuristic model/designs that are green (as in less taxing on the environment), sustainable, stylish and comfortable. The green architecture, I am going to talk about today is an entire complex- a collection of five buildings that blend effortlessly with the nearby lush greens (read forests/jungles). This ITER complex has won accolades at the international competition (for new buildings) of the CEA Cadarache Research Center.
Designed by Juan Herreros Architects, this ultra-green complex respects the forest space by employing a site-tailored approach to construction. The philosophy behind the design of this complex is the construction of a symbiotic architecture which stresses upon minimum alteration of natural conditions so as to preserve the forest density and its microclimate.


The design as conceived by the eco-savvy architects at Juan Herreros comprises five lean buildings in a beautiful forest location-one brimming with a lot of biological activity. The construction of these tall buildings would involve removing only those trees that are growing along the sides of these slender corridors. A tightly-knit connection between the complex and its green surroundings will be established.

The height of the buildings will not exceed the height of the trees found in that forest so that a perfect blend between human and natural creations can be maintained. Because of such considerations, the jury at CEA Cadarache Research Center found this ITER complex to be a brilliant example of minimum-impact green architecture.


It is not yet decided where such a complex will be erected. In general, the CEA is dedicated to wide-ranged research work in climate and environmental science. It also is focusing on alternative energies including hydrogen and solar power so that structures, buildings and complexes of future leave a tiny carbon footprint and still retain their efficiency.

Via: Archdaily


This entry was posted by author: Swati Paul on Thursday, July 31st, 2008 at 9:46 pm and is filed under Architecture, Eco-Friendly, Green | Tags: · , , , , , , , , , You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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