Ideal Power Station: Revitalizing Charleroi Through Sustainable Design

An Eco-Friendly Anaerobic Digestion Power Station and Exhibition Center

The inspiration for the Ideal Power Station comes from scientific logic and eco-friendly solutions. The power plant, which was closed in 1970 due to air pollution, now features an anaerobic digestion power station, an air purification system, and a rainwater harvesting system. These elements work together to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly power station.

The unique properties of the Ideal Power Station lie in its integration of various functions. Alongside the anaerobic digester power station, the building also houses an exhibition space, a green-land system, and a hotel. This multifunctional approach not only preserves the historical value of the site but also adds new value by attracting visitors and revitalizing the surrounding industrial district.

The realization of the Ideal Power Station involved the use of advanced technologies. The building's facade is designed to collect air, with a concave form in the lower part. Biogas pipes connected to the digestion and the biogas tank are integrated into the upper part of the facade, ensuring proper biogas movement. These pipes also serve as windows, providing natural light and stunning views from the hotel lobby to the top floor with the swimming pool.

The anaerobic digestion process used in this power station is a sustainable method of recycling organic matter to produce biogas and biofertilizer. This biogas can be used to generate electricity or processed into renewable natural gas for transportation fuels. The Ideal Power Station demonstrates the potential of anaerobic digestion as a renewable energy source.

To ensure clean and purified air, the Ideal Power Station features an air purification system. Air is collected in the concave form of the facade and enters the building through grid openings. As it ascends, the air is purified by an air cleaning filter. The building's convex forms help spread the purified air, and a turbine aids in elevating the clean airflow.

In addition to its sustainable energy features, the Ideal Power Station incorporates a rainwater harvesting system. The top floor of the building houses a swimming pool, which is supplied with rainwater collected through an open rainwater harvesting structure. This structure allows visitors to witness the flow of water on rainy days and enjoy the sunlight on clear days, creating a unique and immersive experience.

The Ideal Power Station, with its exhibition space and various attractions, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the past and future value of Charleroi. By showcasing the transformation of an abandoned power station into an eco-friendly anaerobic power station, the project aims to revive the industrial district and promote "nature tourism" while improving air quality.

The Ideal Power Station, designed by Hwanil Chang, stands as a testament to the culture of its era. By repurposing a historical and cultural asset, it bridges the gaps in time and brings new life to Charleroi. This sustainable design project has been recognized with an Iron A' Design Award in 2021, highlighting its well-designed, practical, and innovative nature.