Text description provided by the architects. Each city is given unique character by its history. Unfortunately in China most cities are losing their features after reconstruction and taking on almost the same image. It is imperative for urban real estate developers to retain cultural heritage of the city through balanced and appropriate design solutions. 

Conceptual Model

Old and new co-existing under curve-shaped roof
Situated at the intersection of Yangtze River and Han River, Hanyang district of Wuhan is endowed with dynamic beauty of water. The adjacent Guiyuan Temple, a treasure for Buddhist since Qing Dynasty, renders tranquilness and solemnity in the community.

night view of exterior. Image

Through drawing inspirations from the local culture and the Buddhist architecture, Waterfrom Design created a “sloping rooftop” for the new building, which seems to fly above the land and well integrate with the local context. 

details of slope roof. Image

Poetically framed in a landscape painting
Black and gray steel bars form the spine of the rooftop, stretching and undulating like  rolling mountains. Combined with the wide pool on the ground, a visual image of landscape painting is in sight.

exhibition gallery. Image

Transparent glass curtain wall interacts with reflections of clouds and lights in the water, creating a fascinating view and bringing spiritual peace of “A breeze produces no ripples”.

partial view of aisle. Image

Section

partial view of aisle. Image

Extending space rhythm along the curved lines
The curves of the facade are also utilized in the spatial arrangement. Take the design at the entrance for example. Its curved circulation line borrows the form of Moon Lake, a famous local scenic spot. The slope is gradually lowered, creating a ceremonial sense for people, and leaving disturbing noises outside.

partial view for 1.2 floor. Image

aisle of 2 floor. Image

Besides, in the large-scale open space, the curved ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows outline a natural frame. In VIP area, the two curved 3D walls look like sculptures, enriching the space with artistic beauty. 

b1 aisle. Image

Capturing familiar experience in daily life
The partition wall wholly pied up by tea bricks records the past glory of tea trading in old Hanyang City during Northern Song Dynasty. The tea utensils made from local pottery are simple and rough, showing Hanyang people’s habit of drinking tea up to now. The flavor of tea remind us to cherish the common experience in our everyday life.    

b1 aisle B1. Image

The new building exists as a landmark that blends into the urban fabric. Combining deconstruction skill with oriental imagery, Waterfrom Design achieved a balance between historical community protection and commercial real estate development.

exterior. Image © Yuchen Chao

• Architectural concept design

  Waterfrom Design

• Location

  20 Guiyuansi Rd, Hanyang Qu, Wuhan Shi, Hubei Sheng, China

• Category

  Interior Design

• Architectural Design

  Shanghai Tianhua Architectural Design

• Interior Design

  Waterfrom Design / Create+Think Studio

• Interior Design Team

  Nic Lee, Arthur Ho, Zhuwei Ge

• Area

  2860.0 m2

• Project Year

  2018

• Photographs

  Yuchen Chao