Green Energy Laboratory

The Green Energy Laboratory (GEL) is a research centre for low environmental impact building technologies on the the Minhang Campus of Jiao Tong University in Shanghai. Created in collaboration between the university and the Italian Ministry for Environment, Land and Sea Protection, it was designed and built by the Florentine architectural firm Archea Associati in 2012.

This book features critical essays, technical drawings, photos of the construction site and the completed project, and illustrates the harmony of this structure through its perfect blend of tradition, architectural ingenuity, and sustainability. The GEL building is based around a central courtyard with a retractable roof. The top, or third floor, is recessed in relation to the main block, with a steeply sloped roof to house solar panels. The outer shell of the building's double skin is composed of terracotta elements designed to form pictograms common in the Chinese language. This landmark project represents a symbol of intercultural cooperation between Italy and China.

Text in English and Italian.

About the Author

Laura Andreini is an Architect and Associate Professor of Architectural and Urban Composition at the Architectural Faculty of Florence University. In addition to her design and teaching career, she is renowned for her research and critical studies. She is a member of several architectural magazine editorial boards, has published numerous articles and critiques, and has been guest speaker at a large number of conferences and conventions.