opening-up AND focusing
Conceived as a free-standing three-dimensional sculpture sitting in the Shigu River Park, this pavilion exhibits the proposed urban designs for the surrounding district.
The site, an existing lifeless plaza and part of a larger landscape of platonic geometries, suggested the external envelope of the building. This platonic volume was articulated by subtly curving its perimeter walls in plan, and its roof in section, opening-up and focusing the interior toward the trees in the surrounding parkland. These articulations also allow interpretations of Chinese garden pavilions.
light AND shade AND surprising views
The façade is a layered interface, created with folded metal screens that filter the sunlight during the day and glow at night. This perforated metal perimeter transforms the simple verandah into a rich and peaceful interstitial space of light, shade and framed views. It surrounds the building and provides an intricate transition from park to interior.
focused AND seamlessly linked
The pavilion looks both inwards and outwards. A circular inner courtyard places nature within the building, providing a calm central focus. It seamlessly links a sequence of spaces for visitors: from the entrance lobby continuing through the exhibition space, to a lounge and café, and finishing with open meeting rooms and offices. Visitors then enter the courtyard and climb the curved staircase to the rooftop. The roof is, surprisingly, a concave surface from where the river parkland is revealed and the newly designed district imagined.
architecture AND landscape
The rectilinear geometry of the building radiates out into the landscape and provides open space large enough for the thousands of participants completing the Gaochun Annual Marathon.