Overall bird’s-eye view rendering © Architectural Firm (TAO)
In the international urban design and architectural concept competition for the Songshan Lake Technology Exchange Platform, which concluded in December 2020, TAO Architectural Firm, led by Hua Li, emerged victorious after four months of intense multi-stage competition, securing first place.
The competition featured six renowned international firms, including Morphosis (USA), Büro Ole Scheeren (Germany), Takumi Fujimoto Architects (Japan), Steven Holl Architects (USA), and David Chipperfield Architects (UK).
△ Aerial view of the site
The project is situated on a central island in the southern area of Songshan Lake, Dongguan, Guangdong Province. It is surrounded by numerous corporate headquarters and high-tech industrial parks, including Huawei. The vision is to create a multifunctional space integrating three platforms: technology talent exchange, financial services exchange, and cultural-artistic exchange. Key facilities include a conference center, concert hall, hotel, and financial exchange center.
The island covers approximately 6.3 hectares, enclosed by water on three sides and featuring a distinctive ecological landscape. The terrain rises in the center, surrounded by lower areas, set against a backdrop of mountains and water, offering a stunning natural scenery.
△ Site photographs
The design draws inspiration from the island’s lush vegetation and subtropical climate, evoking a jungle-like atmosphere with wild plant growth. The jungle’s essence lies in the power of nature and the mysterious, layered paths it creates. Embracing this spirit, the design seeks to integrate architecture seamlessly into the natural terrain, intertwining with the environment to create a winding, multi-layered spatial experience. This harmonious relationship enhances visitors’ connection to both nature and architecture.
Adopting a holistic approach to blending architecture and environment, the design carefully preserves the original terrain and vegetation. Drawing from the spatial sensibility of traditional Chinese landscape painting, the use of techniques like concealment, rotation, depth, distance, and observation creates an immersive experience where architecture appears nestled within the natural landscape, inviting visitors to explore freely.
Concept sketch © Huali
Overall conceptual model © Architectural Firm (TAO)
The site is divided into four zones based on terrain and natural vegetation to accommodate the various required functions. Each building cluster reflects its unique character and local spirit through distinct forms and layouts.
View southwest toward the site © Architectural Firm (TAO)
Conference Center
Located on the island’s west side, the conference center faces the city, emphasizing its public role. As a gathering place, the space is inward-facing, organized into three spatial layers—inner, middle, and outer—that correspond to functions like conference and banquet halls, transportation and services, and coffee and media areas. The architecture features nested internal and external spaces, with a massive concrete structure creating a shaded semi-enclosed exterior area that responds to the climate while embodying the building’s commemorative spirit.
The central conference hall is flexible, allowing division into various sizes through movable partitions to accommodate different meeting and banquet needs.
△ Conference Center © Architectural Firm (TAO)
Concert Hall
The concert hall is designed as a professional-level music venue overlooking the entire Songshan Lake area. Situated at the island’s water-surrounded tip, it leverages the water’s presence to create a spiritual atmosphere. The tilted cube structure, resembling a solitary stone by the water’s edge, creates dynamic tension with the lake, highlighting its iconic nature.
The auditorium body leans toward the lake with one corner open, making the water the natural stage backdrop and offering a unique viewing experience where architecture and water engage in a visual dialogue.
△ Conceptual model © Architectural Firm (TAO)
△ Stage framed by water surface © Architectural Firm (TAO)
Hotel
Serving as a leisure and residential space on the island, the hotel’s essence is to offer a slower-paced environment through the concepts of “distance” and “rotation.” The hotel is positioned on the island’s northeast side, facing the mountains and lake, nestled subtly among the trees. The design breaks down the hotel massing to maximize lake views from guestrooms.
The public areas feature terraced layers that follow the terrain, creating a seamless connection between the architecture and the lake’s water, delivering an immersive experience from near to far.
△ Conceptual model © Architectural Firm (TAO)
△ Forest corridor © Architectural Firm (TAO)
Financial Exchange Center
The financial exchange center sits in a natural clearing surrounded by large trees at the island’s center. Reflecting its function, the building balances the dual qualities of being both “hidden” and “visible.”
The lower volume is nestled quietly among the trees, creating a secluded spatial experience around a central circular courtyard. A circular ramp leads to the rooftop terrace, from which a zigzag staircase ascends to an overhanging volume above the treetops. From this elevated vantage point, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Songshan Lake.
△ Conceptual model © Architectural Firm (TAO)
△ Lower level corridor © Architectural Firm (TAO)
△ Staircase leading to the top floor © Architectural Firm (TAO)
While shaping the spirit of the site, the design also explores how modern architecture can engage in dialogue with the historical context of Lingnan gardens, seeking to extend Lingnan architectural culture in innovative ways.
Overall bird’s-eye view rendering © Architectural Firm (TAO)
Project Details
Project Name: Songshan Lake Technology Exchange Platform International Competition
Location: Songshan Lake Park, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province
Features: Conference Center, Hotel, Concert Hall, Financial Exchange Center
Design Firm: TAO Architectural Firm
Lead Architect: Hua Li
Design Team: Hua Li, Xu Ting, Liu Yu, Li Ruoxin, Du Jingyi, Xiao Wei, Gu Yue, Zhong Sheng, Wei Nan, Li Mingxi, Xie Yicheng, Wang Yakun, Leng Xueshuang, Li Wenjie, Wang Langhuan, Shi Difan, Fang Xiang, Gong Huiqing, Wu Jiahui, Gao Kai, Zhang Chenyu
Building Area: 44,272 square meters
Design Period: July 2020 – November 2020
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