Boiler pressure, steam flow, steam temperature and other parameters flash continuously across a wall of screens. When a reading moves outside its normal range, an alarm identifies the corresponding system so operators can adjust the process or dispatch workers to inspect equipment.

　　Boiler workshop at Everbright Ecological Industrial Park in Xiong"an New Area, North China"s Hebei Province Photo: Li Hao/GT

　　The digital control room offers a glimpse of a larger idea taking shape in Xiong"an: Environmental infrastructure does not have to sit at the edge of a city, hidden because residents would rather not see it. It can instead be technologically controlled, spatially integrated and, perhaps most importantly, designed as part of everyday urban life.

　　One of the core innovations of this waste treatment plant is breaking the traditional layout of isolating waste facilities on urban fringes. Through sophisticated design, intelligent equipment and precise planning, the facility is fully integrated into the city"s daily operation.

　　Zhang told the Global Times that conventional waste treatment plants often raise public concerns over pollution and noise. To address such worries, the project adopted a de-industrialized, underground construction concept at the initial planning stage. Adopting the pioneering "park above, factory below" model, all operational facilities are built underground, with the deepest point reaching 27.5 meters below ground. The ground level is developed into an open ecological landscape park equipped with lakes and pedestrian trails. This concealed design eliminates visible industrial facilities, odor and noise pollution. What was once a concern for local residents has become a leisure spot, turning the urban waste infrastructure from a potential burden into an integral part of urban life.