The Ya’an Science Popularization Education Center in the Giant Panda National Park spans approximately 14,000 square meters, with a total built-up area of 5,342 square meters. As one of the initial projects of the Giant Panda National Park in Sichuan, it stands as the only dedicated science education center. Strategically located on the essential route to the Bifengxia Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas, it serves as a key transportation hub and the primary gateway for giant panda cultural tourism in Ya’an.
The design team intentionally integrated the building with the natural landscape to minimize environmental impact. Viewed from the bustling opposite bank, the structure appears almost hidden within dense bamboo forests, with only an upward-curving silhouette marking its presence. Even when crossing the stream via the bridge, the building remains partially concealed. The smooth curved roof extends along the bamboo shoots, naturally guiding visitors toward the entrance.
The building rises from the entrance, spiraling up to its highest point before descending back to the ground, forming a unique three-petal Möbius ring. Beyond its functional design, this form symbolizes a blessing for the giant panda—a cherished species—to continue flourishing and cycling within this habitat. To express this theme subtly, the facade features vertical metal grille curtain walls with black-and-white gradients combined with curved volumes, abstractly representing the dynamic image of a panda. This design envelops visitors with a sense of being surrounded by the panda no matter where they are.
The site benefits from excellent traffic access but also faces noise disturbances from the northern expressway and western urban roads. To address this, the design employs the most environmentally friendly noise reduction solution: planting bamboo forests. Additionally, office corridors facing the noise are limited in number, and the building incorporates necessary double-layer walls to further reduce sound, creating a peaceful retreat within the city.
By simulating the site’s wind conditions, the optimal building orientation was selected. Comparative simulations also optimized the interlocking and elevated points of the structure to achieve the best form. Ya’an’s historically rainy climate provides a natural advantage for rainwater harvesting. By collecting and storing rainwater on the roof and site, the project achieves a remarkable 30.5% utilization rate of non-traditional water sources during operation—more than double that of typical projects.
Our innovative exhibition design creates a unique spatial experience that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor environments. Visitors can move freely from indoor exhibits to outdoor displays without barriers. The circular, undulating planted roof extends pathways to every corner of the venue. Large, continuous floor-to-ceiling glass panels along the atrium further dissolve the boundary between the natural surroundings and the exhibition space.
Experiencing exhibitions bathed in natural sunlight is another distinctive feature of this project. Unlike conventional enclosed spaces, it introduces natural bamboo forests, fresh air, and sunlight indoors. A double-layered facade filters harsh direct light, while the atrium allows soft, diffused light to fill the exhibition area, creating a vibrant and oxygen-rich environment for visitors.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Underground Floor Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute
Area: 5,387 m²
Project Year: 2020
Photography: Existence of Architecture
Lead Architects: Liu Yi, Li Angbowei
Architectural Design Team: Yang Zhao, Tian Yumin, Zhang Jiawei, Zhu Meng, Chen Rui
Structural Team: Bi Qiong, Lei Yu, Dong Bo, Liu Yifeng
Water Supply and Drainage Team: Huang Pei, Lv Huming, Yellow River Fish, Li Bo
HVAC Team: Yang Ling, Min Xiaodan, Cai Junwei, Chen Yingjie, Liu Xichen
Electrical Team: Guo Dong, Nie Kun, Lei Shuangquan
Curtain Wall Team: Dong Biao, Yin Bingli, Zhang Yu, Yang Zhipeng, Gong Huaxu
Architectural Technology: Gao Qinglong, Luo Chenyou, Wang Xiao
Client: Ya’an Forestry Bureau
Construction Contractor: Sichuan Wenao Construction Engineering Co., Ltd.
Location: Ya’an City, China
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