Futian Water Purification Plant

Beneath the vibrant green expanse of Honghu Park lies a hidden marvel, the Futian Water Purification Plant. This isn’t just any wastewater facility. It’s a testament to Shenzhen’s commitment to environmental innovation. The Futian Water Purification Plant, part of the ambitious Shenzhen Water Control and Quality Improvement Work Plan, tackles the city’s growing water treatment needs. This plan, launched in 2015, dedicated a staggering CNY 81.6 billion to enhance water quality across Shenzhen. The Futian Water Purification Plant plays a crucial role. This massive undertaking includes constructing and expanding 19 sewage treatment plants, upgrading 24 existing facilities, and accelerating river improvement projects. The Futian Water Purification Plant stands as a key component of this initiative. It addresses the increasing sewage challenges from urban growth in the Qingshui River-Sungang area. Imagine, after its completion, this plant purifies an astounding 18 million cubic meters of domestic sewage annually. That’s about 1.3 times the entire water volume of Hangzhou’s famed West Lake. This remarkable feat showcases the scale and importance of the Futian Water Purification Plant in maintaining Shenzhen’s water security. Above ground, the park’s landscape seamlessly integrates with the plant below. NODE Architecture & Urbanism faced a unique challenge. They had to design a surface landscape that not only concealed the underground facility but also enhanced the park’s beauty. Thirteen vent shafts, some housing fire evacuation stairs, protruded from the ground. These industrial necessities could have disrupted the park’s serene atmosphere. Instead, they became artistic focal points. The tallest vent shaft, for instance, was transformed into a striking 3D lotus sculpture. This artistic intervention provides a bird-watching platform. It also pays tribute to Honghu Park’s lotus theme. The other vent shafts were also cleverly integrated into the landscape, some featuring accessible paths and platforms. The Futian Water Purification Plant isn’t just an engineering marvel. It’s a symbol of Shenzhen’s ingenuity in blending infrastructure with public spaces.