The project is situated on a grassy slope by the lake in the Xihai Scenic Area of Mount Lu. It is a multifunctional cultural complex that combines exhibition spaces with art salons. The client originally intended to renovate the interior and facade of an unused building that had been vacant for five years. After analyzing the site and its surroundings, the architect proposed an integrated design approach for the site, building, and interior, aiming to revive the natural vitality of the lake and mountain scenery while creating a distinctive identity for the location.
The design process began by establishing a dialogue between the natural environment, architecture, and visitors. Drawing inspiration from the site’s stunning landscape, the iconic cultural imagery of Mount Lu and the West Sea, and traditional landscape painting prototypes, the architect interpreted the rolling terrain and dynamic lake waters of the site. The concept of “ridge” lines present in the landscape was extracted and translated into a flowing, elegant structure that emerges naturally from the terrain. By simplifying geometric forms, the design captures the site’s organic momentum.
Ripple textures are carefully integrated with light, shadow, and vegetation to harmonize with nature. The interlaced, unfolding, and ascending techniques of the “spine” structure create a rich and engaging journey for visitors. This ‘spine’ also conceals the original building, generating spatial flow and layered depth from multiple perspectives — whether as winding paths leading to secluded areas or as open, revealing spaces.
The renovation of the original building was approached in two phases: removing passive, isolated structures and expanding east-west spaces to strengthen the connection between indoor areas and the outdoor landscape. The existing structural system was preserved, complemented by the installation of an orthogonal triple arch system inside. This not only enhances spatial cohesion but also echoes the natural cave-like forms found between the “ridges.”
Post-renovation, the facade features floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows that offer transparency and seamless indoor-outdoor views. The vista extends across an outdoor waterfront platform facing east, where two shallow pools merge visually with the waves of the Western Sea and the surrounding mountain ranges. This architectural design fosters a profound and harmonious dialogue with the natural landscape, allowing visitors to experience the vitality and power of the untouched environment.
The architects created a cohesive link among the site, building, interior, and natural surroundings by responding to the site’s characteristics and extending its context. This approach results in vibrant spaces and immersive natural experiences for visitors.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ Model Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Lushan Xihai Art Center
Location: West Sea Resort, Mount Lu, Zhonghai, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province
Project Type: Sales Center
Owner: Zhonghai Hongyang Lushan Xihai (Jiujiang) Investment Co., Ltd
Design Firm: PLAT ASIA
Scope of Work: Site, architecture, interior
Design Team: PLAT ASIA Zheng Dongxian Studio – Zheng Dongxian, DH Jung, Liu Guowei, Lian Jingyun, Liao Yuanyu, Xue Teng
Scale: 600 square meters
Materials: Textured coatings, corrugated metal panels, glass, wood veneers
Design Period: March 2020 – July 2020
Construction Period: May 2021
Architectural Photography: Existence of Architecture – Architectural Photography; A Thousand Degrees of Vision
Architectural Video: PLAT ASIA NDN LAB
Collaborators:
Construction Drawings: China Urban Construction Research Institute Co., Ltd
Interior Construction Drawings: Shanghai Yibuchuan Space Design Co., Ltd
Lighting Design: Beijing Yuanzhan Lighting Design Co., Ltd
Soft Decoration Design: Guangzhou Yuanben Decoration Design Co., Ltd
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