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Pastoral Substation: Integrating Renewable Energy, Public Engagement, and Ecological Design in Shanghai's Urban Fabric

Hang Chen's award-winning Pastoral Substation project has revitalized a once-isolated power facility in Shanghai's Minhang District, transforming it into a dynamic, sustainable community asset. Inspired by the city's commitment to green urbanism, the project integrates advanced renewable energy technologies, adaptive reuse, and landscape strategies that honor the region's agrarian and water-based heritage. The result is a multifunctional space where infrastructure, nature, and public life coexist harmoniously.

The 1.21-hectare site now features photovoltaic installations, wind-powered devices, and rainwater collection systems, all seamlessly woven into the landscape. Elevated walkways, solar canopies, and pedestrian pathways create multi-layered experiences, linking water, land, and energy systems while preserving natural elements. Interactive learning spaces and kinetic energy pathways engage visitors, who generate power through movement and participate in sustainability workshops, guided tours, and public events. These features foster environmental awareness and encourage community interaction, redefining the substation as an accessible urban landmark.

Pastoral Substation's design addresses the technical and creative challenges of balancing security, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Controlled public access zones and innovative spatial configurations ensure the facility's operational integrity while inviting the community to explore and learn. Locally sourced materials and passive design strategies optimize durability, natural ventilation, and daylighting, reducing energy consumption and supporting long-term ecological integration. As a replicable model for infrastructure renewal, the project demonstrates how essential utilities can become catalysts for urban regeneration and sustainability education.

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