This study deals with the design methods and concepts of incineration plants from the view point of architectural design. The characteristics of Japanese large plants in 1985〜1996 have been analyzed through plans, photographs and questionnaires sent to designers of each architectures. The results of them were synthesized and 11 design concepts and variation of major design methods were shown. The main purpose of designing architectures of plants has changed from just covering mechanical system to covering the negative image of waste management, and to express images such as symbolicity, locality and familiarity which are no concern of waste management.
