Image Credit : Photographer: Zeng Jianghe
Project Overview
Boasting a full view of the river and unlimited potential, the project is located in the Oujiang New District of Wenzhou, an area still in its early stages of development. The relationship between the architectural space and its visitors is always changing. The building mass extends through various spatial rhythms and possibilities, preparing the space for even more prospects in the future.
Since the project began, the architect has been on site for nearly three months, participating in and guiding the various construction circles such as those involving structure, glass walls, metal aluminum plates, and lighting. This is done to ensure the quality of the building.
Since its opening, the project has become a spiritual landmark dancing with the wind, drawing in a large number of tourists. As the architect initially expected, the creation of a warm community has aroused a new passion for the future. The project has revived the area and guided Oujiang New District to a better tomorrow.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Tao Xuesen, Chen Guang, Ju Weizheng, Xu Wu, Chen Chongwei, Wang Jian, Liu Lei, Shen Yingbiao, Tang Jun, Yan Jiewei, Moa Yun, Shen Jianbo, Chen Aihong
Project Brief
The architect was inspired by the fishing boats passing by on the Oujiang River and the ripples that they create. The soft and light curves introduced in the design bring dynamism to the rigid and orderly building. The concept of three offset ellipsoid blocks superimposed upon each other was thus developed. The twisting shape of the building partners up with the ripples of the river and together, they dance along the wind. A shared space is set up where the three shapes are connected, linking up the entire building.
A spiral staircase serves as the axis of the building. The graceful curves of the staircase and the natural light spilling in from the light wells complement each other, connecting the interior and exterior scenery to create a play of light and shadow.
The first floor mainly functions as a reception and an office area. Leading into the second floor, the path upwards is characterized by large surfaces of curved walls, recalling the refined Oujiang culture to any visitor. Through reading the brand’s history, we are able to get a glimpse of a new way of life.
As the steps progress upwards, the surrounding space gradually grows in size, finally leading to the exhibition hall on the third floor. Here, through the use of inverted beams, the architect was able to open up the originally constricted space. The ultra-white glass on the south side of the building allows visitors to enjoy a full view of the river.
Project Innovation/Need
The exterior space formed by the twisting building structure showcases the possibilities of life as carried out by the future community. It is one of the design highlights of this project. As a space that defines the boundaries between the interior and the exterior, this gray area becomes a shelter for visitors passing by, providing shade and rain cover. At the same time, this space is different from the surrounding squares in both temperature and atmosphere, encouraging visitors to enjoy the cool breeze unique to the area.
The corridor running along Oujiang Avenue reaches 9 meters tall. The abundant natural light and the open space is a response to the beauty of the riverside.
In order to ensure that a future community life is integrated into the early development of the community center, the architect swiftly reveals his attitude towards life and the future by integrating designs of a playground, a swimming pool, and a living room into the area.
The open terrace on the second floor of the building corresponds to the plaza and interacts with the children’s playground at the other end, making both play and rest easily accessible. The roof terrace faces the landscape, allowing the building to naturally blend into its surrounding environment.
The various spaces in the building do not exist independently from each other. They are connected through the senses of sight and hearing and eventually collide with each other to form new life experiences.
Design Challenge
How to create an example-setting and symbolic design in a developing residential area? How to allow visitors a glimpse of life in the future? How to improve the view of the waterscape despite the presence of the dam? These are the most important challenges of this project.
Through reinterpreting the Oujiang river-life culture, the architect inserts abstract and elegant curved motifs into the design of the community center. This creates a cohesive architectural form and a community area that injects the vitality of future life into all the interacting spaces. By implanting the modern design concept of “form follows function,” meeting rooms and such are placed on the third floor with the best view of the river, better showcasing the landscape resources of the project.
The building functions as the center of the landscape. The surrounding design of concentric circles resembles layers of waves, emanating from the center. Later on in the development, this area can function as a place for residents to rest and play.
Sustainability
The architect reproduces the natural riverside scenery through the use of modern and simple silvery white tones. The use of large areas of ultra-white glass brings out the naturalness and pureness of the building.
Throughout the design process the unity of architectural details, spatial relationships, function, and aesthetics was heavily taken into account.
To cover up the black glue-seam of the ultra-white glass, a metal rod 80mm wide is used. Simultaneously, they function as markers for future lighting placements.
To ensure good spatial circulation, the architect considered the structure and aesthetic of the building and set the maximum column width to 11 meters.
In order to introduce change into the façade and also to provide a better view of the river, panels of ultra-white glass as large as 2 x 6.15m were used.
The curved light strip embedded in the aluminum panel in the exterior gray area moves the space from “darkness” towards “light.” This not only takes into account the lighting necessities, but also becomes a part of the architectural identity.
Architecture - Public and Institutional - International
This award celebrates the design process and product of planning, designing and constructing form, space and ambience that reflect functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations. Consideration given for material selection, technology, light and shadow.
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