Rejecting the typical notion of a pavilion as an object in a plaza, Tsinghua University and Studio Link-Arc ’s winning proposal for the China Pavilion is conceived as a field of spaces. Designed as a cloud floating over a “field of hope”, this roof creates a sheltered public space that incorporates the building’s exhibition program and creates an iconic image for the project. For more images along with architects description continue after the jump:
From the Architects:
Rejecting the typical notion of a pavilion as an object in a plaza, Studio Link-Arc’s winning proposal for the China Pavilion is conceived as a field of spaces. Designed as a cloud floating over a “field of hope”, this roof creates a sheltered public space that incorporates the building’s exhibition program and creates an iconic image for the project. The theme for the Chinese Pavilion is “The Land of Hope.” The project embodies this theme in part through its undulating roof, derived by merging the profile of a city (on the northern side) with the profile of a landscape (on the southern side), expressing the idea that “hope” can be realized when nature and city exist in harmony.
The project’s floating canopy is designed as a timber structure that references the traditional Chinese “raised-beam” system, but is adapted for modern construction technology. Referencing Chinese culture and history, the canopy is covered in shingled bamboo panels that shade the spaces below. The building’s ground plane (the “field of hope”) is defined by a landscape of wheat (acknowledging China’s agrarian past) that transitions to a multimedia installation in the center. The project’s exhibition programs, located on this ground plane, are experienced as a sequence of spaces, beginning with an exterior waiting area in the landscape, leading to a themed exhibition space with interactive installations. After this, visitors are guided up a gently sloped ramp to a platform above the main exhibition space. The sequence concludes with visitors stepping outside the building onto a roof terrace that enjoys expansive views of the Expo grounds.
Project: China Pavilion EXPO 2015
Designed by Tsinghua University and Studio Link-Arc
Chief Architect: Yichen Lu (Tsinghua University + Studio Link-Arc)
Associate In Charge: Kenneth Namkung, Qinwen Cai (Studio Link-Arc)
Project Team: Shuning Fan, Hyunjoo Lee, Dongyul Kim, Alban Denic, Zach Grzybowski, (Studio Link-Arc)
Structural Engineer: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Enclosure Engineer: Elite Facade Consultants + ATLV
MEP Engineer: Beijing Qingshang Environmental Art & Architectural Design
Design Director: Dan Su, Yue Zhang (Tsinghua University)
Chief Designer: Yi Du (Tsinghua University)
Exhibition Design: Yanyang Zhou, Danqing Shi (Tsinghua University)
Landscape Design: Xiaosheng Cui (Tsinghua University)
Interior Design: Jiansong Wang (Tsinghua University)
Installation Design: Danqing Shi, Feng Xian (Tsinghua University)
Lighting Design: Yi Du (Tsinghua University)
Visual Identity Design: Xin Gu (Tsinghua University)
Client: China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
Project Area: 4,000 sqm
Location: Milan, Italy
Website: www.link-arc.com