Background
Ginkgo Swan Lake is situated in Xiushui New District, Jiaxing. It capitalizes on its natural ecological landscapes and abundant water resources, while integrating rich traditional culture. The area features unique attractions such as a ginkgo viewing forest, a small train circling the lake, an art museum, an ecological bird island, and authentic water town homestays. This destination offers a future-oriented living experience where ecology and nature coexist harmoniously, technology and wisdom blend seamlessly, and art and humanities unite. The cruise terminal serves as the main hub for boat tours around the lake.
Design Philosophy
Waiting in line can often be tedious. However, at an idyllic destination like Swan Lake, even the wait for a boat should be enjoyable. Our design philosophy is straightforward: transform the waiting experience into something fun and engaging.
Space Concept
The staircase represents one of the most ambiguous architectural elements, much like the concept of “waiting” itself — an intermediate state. The ideas of “up” and “down” are spatial opposites. By blurring the boundary that connects these directions, the upper and lower levels become unified: the ground seems to extend to the roof, the roof extends down to the ground, and both function as steps within a large staircase.
This architecture harmoniously combines two contrasting activities — walking and sitting — into one cohesive form. It becomes both a walkable seat and a staircase designed for sitting. The entire building and its surroundings create a transitional “space” bridging the upper and lower areas, where visitors can enjoy their waiting time.
The flow of people brings life and dynamism to the space. The once-underutilized area beneath the stairs is transformed into a vibrant indoor environment wrapped by the roof. Transparent, operable curtain walls extend the views outward to the vast lake, while the protruding eaves shield visitors from the harsh midday sun in summer and allow warm sunlight to enter during winter.
The white box positioned on the building’s north side contains all auxiliary functions and utility pipelines. It also blocks less desirable views from that direction, creating a flexible, spacious central area. This adaptable space accommodates various activities including ticketing, exhibitions, pop-up events, forums, and dining, responding to the evolving commercial landscape.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Structural Detail Drawing
△ Building Generation Diagram
△ Building Generation Diagram
△ Building Generation Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Hexia Architecture Society
Area: 895 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Gu Shang Culture
Manufacturer: Metish Curtain Wall
Client: Jiaxing Huazhang Real Estate
Location: Jiaxing, China
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