△ Aerial view of the project © Chen Xi
© Chen Xi
The Future City Exhibition Hall is situated on Huanglong Street in the Lucheng District of Wenzhou City. This site was previously home to Huanglong Commercial City, established in 1993. For many locals, Huanglong Commercial City holds a special place in their memories, serving as a one-stop destination for essential purchases during life milestones such as weddings, home buying, and moving into new residences.
The original appearance of Huanglong Commercial City (image sourced online)
After 27 years of operation, Huanglong Commercial City has fulfilled its historical role amid economic transformation and urban renewal. The site is now being redeveloped into a future community that combines quality living spaces, business offices, commercial entertainment, and more. The Future City Exhibition Hall, a public cultural venue, was the first phase to be completed.
© Chen Xi
01 Site Analysis
The site is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Guanghua Bridge Road and Transit Road, extending linearly along the street with a shallow depth and flat shape. During the site analysis, the design team was drawn to the ten large camphor trees lining the street outside the site, which became the conceptual starting point for the project.
© Chen Xi
The camphor trees serve as a living memory of the old site, while the exhibition hall represents a new urban space. Establishing a harmonious relationship between these elements symbolizes respect and continuity for the site, creating a dialogue with the city. This concept embodies Line+Studio’s vision for this project: a new exhibition space that celebrates the memory of the old city.
© Chen Xi
02 Spatial Organization
Preserving all ten camphor trees, the design establishes pedestrian and vehicular entrances aligned with the gaps between the trees. These pathways converge and lead to the main entrance, which is discreetly tucked behind the camphor trees and a wall.
© Chen Xi
△ Diagram © gad · line+ studio
The interaction between the Exhibition Hall and camphor trees © Chen Xi
Within the site, the sequence of spaces unfolds horizontally. Walls organize spatial relationships, creating a three-entry water courtyard and a two-entry courtyard layered progressively. This approach transforms the originally monotonous linear site into a rich, three-dimensional experience.
© Chen Xi
Not all beauty is meant to be fully revealed; some is best kept hidden. Architectural functions are staggered and interwoven within the blocks, with spaces such as the lobby, exhibition hall, coffee shop, and offices arranged sequentially around the courtyards.
△ Model photo © Chen Xi
△ First floor plan © gad · line+ studio
© Chen Xi
Guided by the walls, the pathways avoid straight lines, embracing a design principle of distancing and approaching targets in a meandering, spontaneous manner. This approach offers diverse sensory experiences as visitors explore the space.
© Chen Xi
The design incorporates flowing water features and scattered greenery, along with transparent glass volumes interspersed between the walls. These elements invite natural light, fresh air, and street views to permeate the space. Walking through this picturesque environment, visitors experience reflections of sky light, cloud shadows, and the gentle movement of tree shadows on shallow water surfaces.
© Chen Xi
03 Interaction with the Street
At the southeast corner, a large open space creates an opportunity to engage with the city through a distinctive architectural interface.
© Chen Xi
The flowing water landscape complements the glass structure, creating the effect of a glass box floating on water. This design element is visually accessible yet physically unapproachable, defining a boundary while connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
© Chen Xi
The structure features light-colored stainless steel ribs paired with a large, ultra-white concealed frame curtain wall. The wall is clad in modular, textured natural stone. This contrast between the sleek glass and the rhythmic stone wall creates a dynamic interplay of reality and illusion. Nestled among lush camphor trees, the design offers visitors a spiritual architectural experience enriched by its artistic spirit.
© Chen Xi
04 Conclusion
The Future City Exhibition Hall, structured around courtyards and walls, nestles quietly under ten large camphor trees, tucked away in the cityscape. The design addresses challenging spatial conditions with humility and restraint, forging a meaningful connection between site, space, and city.
Looking ahead, the ten camphor trees will continue to grow as enduring symbols of memory, while the exhibition hall will enrich the venue and city with its artistic form and content.
© Chen Xi
Project Information
Project Name: Future City Exhibition Hall
Location: Wenzhou, Zhejiang
Design Firm: Gad · Line+Studio
Lead Architect / Project Creator: Meng Fanhao
Design Team: Zhu Xiaojing, Zhu Mingsong
Building Area: 1,450 square meters
Design Period: June 2020 – August 2020
Construction Period: June 2020 – October 2020
Owners: Yagor Group, Baolong Group
Landscape Design: iPD Australia Yipuide
Curtain Wall Coordination: Zhejiang Zhongnan Construction Group Co., Ltd
Structure: Steel structure
Materials: Ultra-white glass curtain wall, cave stone curtain wall
Photography: Chen Xi
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