The Haikou International Duty Free City project covers a total construction area of 926,000 square meters across six plots. This mixed-use complex combines duty-free shopping malls, star-rated hotels, upscale offices, residential buildings, and extensive commercial zones. With an investment of 12.86 billion yuan, the project aims to establish a new landmark on Hainan’s duty-free shopping map, boosting Hainan’s status as an international tourism and consumption hub.
Within this development stands the sole commercial reception center, designed to provide a premium venue for business negotiations and serve as a prominent symbol for Haikou’s external promotion.
Architecture, originating in the Stone Age, initially provided basic shelter from the elements. As productivity advanced, architecture evolved beyond mere functionality to embody spiritual and cultural aspirations. The building located in Haikou Binhai New Area exemplifies this evolution. It functions not only as the duty-free city’s investment reception center but also as a modern art museum, reflecting the high-quality positioning and tone of the Haikou International Duty Free City. It stands as both the gateway to the West Coast city and the region’s spiritual stronghold.
The design employs deconstructivist techniques to dismantle and reorganize the building’s walls, liberating their form and volume. This approach creates limitless spatial possibilities through the interlacing of blocks. The stylistic elements are abstracted and simplified, turning the architecture itself into a work of art.
The exterior walls are thickened to emphasize a strong architectural presence. Windows and platforms are integrated into these walls, opening the enclosed structure to the city. This design invites urban life inside and creates a dynamic space for public events and gatherings.
The use of circular elements enhances the building’s geometric character. Curved walls appear at openings on the exterior, with contrasting materials highlighting visual focal points on the facade. Inside, blocks of various shapes create rich, diverse spatial experiences.
Considering Haikou’s abundant sunshine, the facade’s primary color is white, making the building appear brighter and more refreshing. The expansive white walls resemble a blank canvas, where light and shadow play like ink and brush strokes, evoking the aesthetic of traditional Chinese painting with its use of white space.
The facade features horizontal striped panels as the main material, complemented by titanium zinc panels used on protruding and curved walls. The contrast between the white horizontal panels and gray titanium zinc panels creates a striking visual effect. Both materials draw inspiration from the texture of dried palm skin, enhancing the building’s tactile quality while harmonizing with the surrounding natural environment.
The building is functionally divided into two main zones: marketing and investment attraction. To balance independence and cohesion, the structure is arranged in an L-shape. The marketing zone faces the main road and is designed to be open and inviting. Its negotiation area on the first floor features extensive glass walls, creating a bright, transparent space that showcases interior activities to passersby, encouraging easy public access.
In contrast, the investment promotion area is more enclosed to ensure visitor privacy. Positioned along a secondary urban road, its street-facing side features a solid wall that blocks noise, while the courtyard-facing side opens up with views. Visitors enter through titanium zinc-clad cylinders, and a terrace on the second floor offers views of the courtyard and the entire complex.
Project Drawings
▲ General Layout Plan
▲ 1st Floor Plan
▲ 2nd Floor Plan
▲ Top Floor Plan
▲ Elevation View
Project Information
Type: Commercial Building
Location: Haikou, Hainan
Status: Completed
Building Area: 2,215 square meters
Design Team: AOE Construction Team
Completion Year: 2021
Lead Designer: Wen Qun
Technical Director: Ma Jianning
Architectural Team: Wen Qun, Ma Jianning, Tang Xiao, Liu Liuqing, Liu Chen
Photography: UK Studio
Office Website: __AI_ST_URL_0__
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