It`s a uniquely styled public works projects that satisfies client and community needs. This waste treatment and recycling plant was designed to defeat the stereotypical image of public works as a blemish on the landscape. Regio Twente even invested up to 15 percent more in design and construction costs to insure that at the end of a 15-year life span, this gently situated `spaceship` of a building can be converted to a cultural facility. The design also succeeded in overcoming the `not in my backyard` sentiments of the community. It was so skilfully melded to the surrounding countryside, that community leaders embraced this facility as a perfect solution to a political touchy situation. The design defies the traditional boxy shed that usually houses such utilitarian functions; and the surrounding natural environment is protected by delicately routing trucks through the existing landscape - a winner with the local government and nearby neighbourhoods. Encased in a huge metallic canopy, the architectural design solutions improves the efficiency of waste processing by incorporating three services within and around a single facility: sorting, water and gas treatment, and land-filling. Because there are no interior support columns, the design allows for a complete reconfiguration of the facility into a future use as a sports, entertainment, or concert hall.

1995