Giant "soft pillows" have recently emerged on the streets of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, drawing puzzled looks from passers-by. These structures are actually air-supported domes, intended to mitigate construction noise and airborne dust in high-density urban environments.
(Photo: Nandu Guangzhou)
A nearly 9,000-square-meter inflatable membrane dome has been installed over the renovation site of the Party School of the CPC Guangzhou Municipal Committee in Yuexiu District, Guangzhou. Made of high-strength PVDF material, the dome is continuously inflated by ground-based fans that maintain stable air pressure, forming a fully enclosed workspace. Testing results indicate that it blocks up to 99% of dust and reduces noise levels by about 90%.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
A comparable system has been deployed in Shenzhen's Chegongmiao district, where the urban renewal project in the Tairan Industrial Zone boasts the largest air-supported foundation pit dome in south China. Standing 40 meters tall and covering more than 12,000 square meters, the dome features integrated spraying, cooling, and smart monitoring systems. Designed to withstand extreme weather, it significantly reduces disturbance to adjacent offices and metro lines.
(Photo: Shenzhen TV News)
Reusable and easy to dismantle, these "urban pillows" generate no construction waste. They provide a cleaner, quieter solution, embodying a more sustainable and community-oriented approach to urban development.
Author | He Fengyu
