The Guangming Dongtanyuan Conference Center is situated in the northwest corner of the former weaving factory area. Originally, the site consisted of scattered, dilapidated small buildings amid untamed greenery, naturally blending into the vast wheat fields to the north. To preserve the continuity of this landscape, we chose to integrate and reshape the existing structures and spaces through single-story landscape architecture.
Leveraging the site’s natural landscape and the spatial extension characteristics, the building was initially conceived as a unique art space. However, it was later adapted into a conference center to accommodate the diverse functional needs arising from the park’s overall planning.
The design logic of this concrete structure resembles the act of cutting a sheet of paper horizontally and vertically. This approach diminishes the building’s overall integrity while preserving its continuity, much like the paper itself. The segmentation introduces variations at different scales, setting the stage for diverse spatial formations.
We then transformed this ‘paper’ by lifting some corners upward and folding others downward, creating a three-dimensional form. This technique introduced heterogeneity and spatial diversity, enabling the creation of varied spaces through a simple yet effective concept. The folding also resulted in interior spaces with differing scales and ceiling heights.
Under the most prominent raised roof, a column-free hall spans approximately 300 square meters with a 13-meter clear span. The interior’s highest point reaches a net height of about 8 meters, providing a versatile space suitable for a variety of meetings and events.
The sculpted openings extend into courtyards of various sizes, seamlessly integrating the courtyard spaces into the landscape architecture as natural elements. These courtyards serve as light wells, providing natural illumination to the expansive single-story structures and further subdividing the interior spaces.
The introduction of this landscape system enhances the spatial hierarchy and dissolves the mass of the building volumes. It also responds thoughtfully to the small-scale texture of the original cluster of buildings on the site.
In addition to the downward folds in certain areas, we introduced a pathway connecting the courtyard to the landscaped roof, offering visitors a dynamic, three-dimensional journey. From the lush green roof, one can view the rhythmically repeating sawtooth factory roofs to the east, creating a compelling dialogue across time and space.
Project Drawings
△ Plan View
△ Roof Plan
△ Elevation and Section Views
Project Information
Architect: Tongji Original Design Studio
Area: 2,638 m²
Year: 2021
Photographer: ZY Architectural Photography
Lead Architects: Zhang Ming, Zhang Zi
Design Team: Xiao Lei, Xi Weidong, Pan Si, Feng Shanshan, Huang Xiaoqian
Structural Engineers: Cao Wei, Cheng Rong, Liu Dong
Equipment Designers: Guo Changzhao, Fang Tao, Li Hanqian, Shen Bingchun
Construction: Shanghai Qianyi Agricultural Development Co., Ltd
Location: Shanghai, China
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up