Factory Like A Garden

The motorcycle manufacturing facility answers the question of how a factory can function as a garden of health and productivity.

Hero MotoCorp Garden Factory and Global Parts Center,
Neemrana, India

Under the guidance of William McDonough + Partners, Hero MotoCorp built a new kind of factory; one which goes beyond its central mission, the making of two-wheeled vehicles. The Garden Factory™, consisting of the Manufacturing Plant and Global Parts Center, demonstrates how an industrial workplace can be beneficial, healthful and even life-affirming.

This new factory for the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer is located in the arid climate of northeast Rajasthan; a place where heat and humidity are pervasive and water is a valued resource. In response, WM+P has designed a facility which brings nature and technology together. Vegetation surrounds the workplace, penetrates inside to the assembly line, and makes its way onto the roof; at every scale enhancing ambient temperatures, air quality, and the visual environment.

Air for space conditioning is provided without ducts by two “Big Foot” air handlers and distributed via displacement ventilation. Positive pressurization ensures a nearly dust-free environment. Meanwhile, a company canteen full of daylight provides workers with a respite from the factory floor. Outdoor terraces and indoor/outdoor vegetation enhances the dining atmosphere.

Client

Hero MotoCorp

Program

Two-wheeled vehicle factory and global parts center

Area

Factory: 62,599 square meters (Phase One); Global Parts Center: 22,444 square meters

Status

Phase One completed October 2014

Team

William McDonough + Partners, Design Architect
SEMAC, executive architects and engineers
Arup, structural concepts
Integral Designs, landscape consultants
WEI, air distribution and cooling engineering
WSP, energy and water concepts

Awards + Certifications

Platinum rating from the Indian Green Building Council