Changhuan Xu

Material & Energy System

Having paper as the main material, the land use of Aberdeen was reinterpreted as the source of different types of raw materials for papermaking: green space - plant fibres, industrial area - parcel boxes, commercial and retail area - receipts and packaging, and office and schools - office paper. Other materials are complemented by the construction wastes collected from the excavation and wastes from construction sites planned in the future.

The energy system involves three main elements: hydro power from River Don, compost heat from food waste, and electricity from plant cells. The bacteria in the soil gain nutrition from growing plants and release electrons to produce electricity. The plants then serve both as raw materials for papermaking and contribute to the energy system. When decomposed, they return nutrients to the ground, together with the waste produced during the process, creating a cycle of material and energy system.
 

Community Collaboration

The papermaking process involves boiling and breaking down fibres and requires a lot of water. Kitchens in domestic space becomes a perfect space to produce first pieces of paper products. Starting from small extensions outside residential buildings, each household has space and facilities for papermaking. The new facade is a composition of modules designed to support key stages of the process of material treatment which sets the basis of the collaboration sequence.
The products produced in the facilities are then gathered to construct a communal papermill, providing workshop space for different types of paper products – paper sheets, small objects, furniture, structural elements. The workshops sit along the River Don to gain its hydro power. The greenhouse, at the same time, is a ‘power plant’ which grows the plant cells and provide electricity for the operation of the papermill. 

Beyond Community

The products in the papermill are distributed throughout the city as raw materials for various industries, initially serving the printmaking industry. Over time, as the system evolves and gains traction, the range of applications can expand to include other sectors such as packaging, construction, and even textile production. By integrating these products into multiple industries, it promotes a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and resources are continuously reused and recycled.