The materiality of the ensemble is made up of fractal elements adapted through deconstructive techniques to prioritize the fluidity of the interior space from the outside. The range of materials and interior light effects are achieved from the selection of geometries that evoke the surrounding rock formations. Steel, glass and acrylic merge to create large sections and overhangs that wrap around all exterior functions.
Project description by aoe
The Power of Inner Dynamics
Dongcheng Qu, China, 2020-05-18 - Located in the northern zone of the core region of Chongqing, China, the project consists of a cliffside building, designed and constructed into its surrounding mountain façade. The main structure has been completed, and designers have deconstructed and reconstructed its internal spaces with an infusion of architectural elements conducive to the topography, resulting in the creation of a rich architectural, urban space. The 3,000m² project consists of four floors.
The main entrance is located on the third level, providing access to the main sales center functional areas, including exhibition space, which span the second and third floors. Embracing the sales center, the ground floor features a heated swimming pool and health club, while a small art gallery occupies the fourth floor.
The project highlights relationships between architecture, nature, society, and the people of Chongqing, thus enhancing the spatial experience of the building’s visitors through a design-oriented rethinking of modern lifestyles. The concept targets large-scale urban architecture as a conduit for fostering community vitality through public participation and interaction, inspiring people to enhance their life experiences of the future.
The open concept of the sales offices breaks with tradition, promoting a more inclusive environment conducive to interaction. The artistic space on the top level will continue to evolve as an integral part of the interactive theme, with plans to develop the space into a community art center in the near future.
Externally, the project incorporates the shapes and forms of surrounding natural rock formations, adapted through deconstructive techniques to create flowing spaces. To complement those elements, the designers carefully studied the characteristics of a wide variety of materials and their effect on shadow and light. Stainless-steel, abundant glass, and acrylic light rods brilliantly contrast with cave-like elements reminiscent of a Roman grotto.
The main entrance is supported by a riveted steel structure to form the main framework. Large sections of the wall are cantilevered by steel columns, with composite plates inserted to reduce the overall load. This combination contributes to the irregular freehand brushwork facade of the building’s walls. Externally, 800 mm glass cantilevers seamlessly connect the glass framework.
The sculptural building’s deconstructivism is highly visible, infusing vibrancy into the city with its splendid artwork and aluminum-formed, thousand-paper crane façade, the latter being a reference to Asian cultural symbolism representing health, longevity, and truth. Stainless-steel plates form the internal workings of the crane system, combined with hanging folded aluminum plates to achieve a dazzling external design.
By day, the mirrored finish of the structure’s stainless-steel framework glistens in the sunlight, distinguishing itself among the surrounding greenery. By night, acrylic light rods emanate brightly, enveloping the structure in a fantastical, dream-like aura. Sculptural design elements further contribute to the building’s external visual appeal, positioning it as a work of art that is embraced by the people as a source of civic pride and interaction.
