▲ Aerial view © DONG Architectural Imaging
Chongqing is a multi-dimensional city where mountains and urban landscapes intertwine seamlessly. The city’s layered construction is a daily spectacle. This architectural sculpture stands amidst modern high-rises, facing the historic Huguang Guild Hall complex and overlooking the Yangtze River and Dongshimen Bridge. With history and nature ahead and a vibrant city behind, this building aims to become a new member of this enchanting cityscape while preserving some historical characteristics.
▲ Location © Vegetarian architecture
▲ Aerial view © DONG Architectural Imaging
Traditional Colors
A pervasive fog and lingering haze define the city’s atmosphere. We envision this building as a beacon of warmth, reminiscent of Bing Xin’s 1945 story “Little Orange Lantern” and the golden glow of a morning sunbeam piercing through old city photos. It aspires to be a continuation of the elegant and historic Huguang Guild Hall—a vibrant force emerging from the gray shadows.
▲ Color extraction: Huguang Guild Hall (left) and Exhibition Hall (right) © DONG Architectural Imaging
Modern Geometry
The building’s river-facing side is elevated to maximize views, while the city-facing side is lowered to create a gentle transition to the streets below with a smaller volume. This results in a simple, pure triangular form. A staircase on the lower side leads into the building’s interior, which serves as a sales exhibition hall for the “Chongqing Huguang” project and also functions as a city observation tower. Large windows frame views of the urban area, the river, the bridge, and the historic Huguang Guild Hall.
▲ Volume generation © Vegetarian architecture
▲ Model © Vegetarian architecture
▲ Street view perspective © DONG Architectural Imaging
Aerial and Mirror Surfaces
The raised ground floor improves visibility for the second floor, creating an expansive viewing surface. A layer of mirror material conceals the building’s foundation from the bustling market below, giving the two-story triangular volume a “floating” effect. As a cold drink shop, the building integrates smoothly into the daily rhythm of the city.
▲ City interface © DONG Architectural Imaging
▲ Mirror surface layer © DONG Architectural Imaging
▲ Street view perspective © DONG Architectural Imaging
▲ View towards the city interface from the second-floor exhibition hall © DONG Architectural Imaging
▲ Second-floor exhibition hall © DONG Architectural Imaging
▲ Building facade © DONG Architectural Imaging
It stands by the river, floats through the streets, and sets sail with the momentum of the city, admiring the magnificent waves of mountains, rivers, and urban landscapes.
▲ Urban night scene © DONG Architectural Imaging
Project Drawings
▲ General layout © Vegetarian architecture
▲ First-floor plan © Vegetarian architecture
▲ Second-floor plan © Vegetarian architecture
▲ Section view © Vegetarian architecture
Project Information
Architectural Design: Primitive Building
Office Website: www.suzao.co
Building Area: 60.2 square meters
Project Year: November 2022
Design Team: Du Jie, Dong Wen, Yin Xiaowen, Zhang Wen, Ma Lina, Zhao Shengchao, Wang Si, Wang Wang, Hui Han, Lu Jixing
Structural Design Consultant: Chen Tao
Construction Management: Liao Huarong, Chen Liang
Client: Huguang Project, Chongqing, China
Photography: DONG Architectural Imaging
Location: No. 21 Daomenkou, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
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