(CNN)Ski slopes, breweries and manicured parks are not the usual trappings of a power plant.
Historically, these industrial monoliths have been functional eyesores -- often inciting resentment and "not in my backyard" protests from local residents.
But as cities generate more trash -- the World Bank predicts global rubbish disposal will triple to 4 billion tons a year by 2100 -- the need to change our attitudes to waste is becoming more urgent.
Meanwhile, in Sydney, a heritage building that once housed Carlton & United Brewery has become a discreet power plant.
Called The Brewery Yard, and designed by Tzannes Architects, it is nestled on the roof of the now closed brewery.
The award-winning design elegantly juxtaposes heritage and technology, with three mesh-like towers crowning the 20th-century red brick building.
When completed, the plant will provide electricity and water to the development"s 2,200 apartments.
Blast from the past
The concept of beautiful industrial design is not an entirely new one.
In the 1980s, eco warrior and Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser rallied for "blissfully disguised" industrial facilities.
He even designed a few himself.
Hundertwasser"s most famous industrial building is the Incinerator Spittelau District Heating Plant, finished in 1992.
Not only does that iconic plant power 60,000 apartments, it"s also a source of national pride. The plant"s golden sphere and colorful checkered faade still stands tall on the northern side of Vienna city.
A quarter of a century later, it seems the waste industry is finally catching up with Hundertwasser.
Pretty soon we all may be asking: "How about my backyard?"
Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/09/architecture/power-good-design/index.html
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