Project Overview
Xi'an Greenland Art Center is designed to reveal the essence of surrounding context by changing forms. Such environment refers to both current physical environment and historical unity.
Malevich’s abstract art are used along with the rectangular site to become a form consisting of three interwoven and superposed rectangles, which lies snugly at the site. Standing in north-south direction, the three blocks in different sizes and interwoven arrangement make the site look less narrow. The block in the middle is the main entrance of the building, and the two rectangular blocks in the south and north are arranged near the middle position to make the space look wider and enhance the functionality of the building.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
Song Zhaoqing(lead architect), Li Sheng, Liu Zhenrui, Li Yingchao, Zhang Runyang, Yu Mingming
Project Brief
White granite is mainly used in the project, and its background color is greyish white dotted with grey spots. Only grayish white background can be seen in the distance, and grey spots gradually appear as the distance decreases, which enhances the details and texture.
The simple architectural form and internal simple spatial form are complementary, as both of them constitute an “integrated” architectural spatial sequence. The open space at the main entrance highlights a sense of spaciousness. The southern discussion area is a flexible and open space, which serves the purpose of functionalism to some extent. Functional separation is carried out for the open space through components, which helps create connected yet independent small spaces. It sticks to the “integrated” principle and shows the spirit of place.
At the eastern main entrance, the large terrace of the northern block and the water beneath it make up a layered and orderly space. The reddish brown zigzag-shaped slope leads people to the second floor, which adds interest to the space and enriches the façade.
The open book bar is connected with the peculiar terrace on the second floor and reddish brown zigzag-shaped slope, which allows external and internal space to get connected. The suspended terrace features stepped design to achieve extraordinary spatial experience.
Project Innovation/Need
The façade features virtual-real combination. That is, “virtual” glass is combined with “real” white granite. The façade design continues to adopt Malevich’s abstract art by using white granite as the “drawing board” and glass window as the “geometry” , and partial geometry extends to the roof. The window frame is decorated in three colors (red, yellow and blue) to present a three-dimensional abstract painting of “suprematism”.
Design Challenge
From the perspective of urban development, Xi’an, an ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, is experiencing constant changes by breaking traditional enclosed city wall and rebuilding new order of urban development.
Xi'an Greenland Art Center is located at the rapidly-growing Xixian New Area of Xi’an. The land sits near the major axis of Xixian and lies at the central node of the Energy Park’s major axis. With a narrow and long rectangular form, the site is close to roads on both sides and urban greenbelt in the east. Architects put many efforts in blending harmoniously building and environment with each other, which dovetails with the major axis of Xixian, stimulates the vitality of historical space and becomes a “city parlor” for citizens.
Sustainability
Rusty steel plates with rust stabilization treatment are used for the zigzag-shaped slope and partial façade. Rusty steel plates look yellow at first and become reddish brown finally, as rust continues to grow. They are 5-8 times the working life of common steel; besides, they are environmentally-friendly, coating-free and maintenance-friendly. These weathering resistant steel will turn golden yellow in the end, and such warm color greatly increases affinity and boosts the spirit of place.
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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