China has a knack for super sizing things. Take for instance, the recent Olympics and the architectural feat called the Bird’s Nest; or go back a few thousand years to marvel at the Great Wall. Impressive, definitely, but it doesn’t stop there. The Chinese have bested themselves with an even greater Great Wall. This modern sensation, dubbed the Greenpix Zero Energy Media Wall, spans the 20,000 square foot façade of Beijing’s Xicui entertainment complex. The wall acts as a giant LED media screen projecting digital media from artists around the world. It is composed entirely of photovoltaic panels which have been integrated into the glass framework.
These polycrystalline photovoltaic cells are distributed at varying densities across the glass curtain for optimal performance, allowing for the entrance of natural light during the day, while transforming solar rays into energy for the nightly media display. Basically, the wall is entirely self sustaining, much like a flower.
Perhaps most importantly though, is what this wall signals. It’s a visual sign of China’s efforts at greening itself; obviously there is still much to be done, but the Wall is an undeniable reminder that a sustainable future is possible, despite the many obstacles yet to be overcome.
