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The project was created to address the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda, particularly sustainable waste management. Since 2018, Iren S.p.A. has developed an innovative plant that transforms the organic fraction of urban waste into biomethane, compost, and food-grade CO₂. Completed in 2024 in Reggio Emilia, the facility expresses the technological process through architecture: a "city" for 15,000 inhabitants with towers, walls, and functional districts for waste treatment. The concept combines technology, sustainability, and historical memory, integrating nature and infrastructure in a modern agricultural landscape—a symbol of the circularity of time and energy.
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The project is closely connected to the surrounding landscape and urban context. Located northeast of Reggio Emilia, near key infrastructures (ring road, high-speed rail, A1 highway), it links modernity and historical memory. The architecture respects the agricultural landscape, following traditional land patterns and blending built structures with nature, symbolizing the CO₂ cycle. The plant is conceived as an “ideal city,” with neo-medieval towers, streets, and squares that reflect historical forms. This integration is not only aesthetic but also functional, symbolic, and ecological, creating a dialogue between technology, environment, and culture.
The project focuses on sustainability and eco-compatibility, following the UN 2030 Agenda. It uses circular waste management by converting organic waste into biomethane, compost, and food-grade CO₂, reducing waste and valuing resources. The design integrates architecture with the landscape, respecting agricultural patterns and historical memory. Durable materials like precast concrete and polycarbonate enable natural lighting and energy efficiency. Advanced anaerobic and aerobic treatment technologies reduce emissions and recover energy. Space planning optimizes vehicle flow and resource management. No specific awards or certifications are mentioned, but the project could qualify for LEED, BREEAM, or similar certifications.
The project is an innovative waste management facility developed by Iren S.p.A. that transforms the organic fraction of municipal solid waste into valuable resources: biomethane, compost, and food-grade CO₂. Completed in 2024 near Reggio Emilia, it embodies the principles of the UN 2030 Agenda, focusing on sustainability, circular economy, and eco-compatibility. Its main strengths include the integration of advanced anaerobic and aerobic treatment technologies that maximize energy recovery while minimizing emissions. The facility is designed as a symbolic “city” for 15,000 inhabitants, reflecting both modern technology and historical memory through its architectural language inspired by neo-medieval forms. The project stands out for its deep connection to the surrounding landscape, respecting traditional agricultural patterns and blending nature with built structures. Sustainable materials such as precast concrete and polycarbonate are used to enhance durability, natural lighting, and energy efficiency. Functional areas are organized like urban districts, optimizing waste processing flow and facilitating education and public engagement. Overall, this project is a pioneering example of how innovative technology, thoughtful design, and environmental responsibility can converge to create a sustainable and culturally meaningful infrastructure.
Luca Dal Fabbro, Chairman of Iren, stated: “The inauguration of the FORSU plant in Reggio Emilia confirms Iren’s commitment to local communities and stakeholders. Today’s context pushes us to design the future around three key pillars: energy security, competitiveness, and, above all, sustainability. FORSU promotes local resource circularity, reinforcing Iren’s role as a strategic partner through innovation and decarbonization.”
Andrea Oliva, born in Novellara (RE) in 1972, graduated in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano in 1998. He was contract professor at the University of Parma (2001–2011) and at the University of Ferrara (2012–2015). In 2000, he founded “andrea oliva architetto–cittàarchitettura,” working across various scales: public buildings, residential, commercial, industrial, hospitality, urban plans, landscapes, historic renovations, exhibitions, and interiors. He has won numerous national and international competitions. His projects have been published in books and magazines and exhibited in Italy and abroad.
