The Lijia Smart Pavilion, designed by Gensler, is situated within Chongqing’s Lijia Smart Park and serves as a key venue for the China International Intelligent Industry Expo (CIIE). Since 2018, this annual Smart Expo in Chongqing has showcased advancements in intelligent technology and fostered the growth of smart industries.
From the very beginning, Gensler’s design team aimed to create a landmark building that not only meets its functional requirements but also harmoniously integrates with the surrounding lush natural environment. To guide this vision, they established core design principles emphasizing simplicity, relevance, timelessness, excellence, flexibility, technology, user experience, and connectivity.
The architectural inspiration draws from Chongqing’s unique geography—nestled among mountains, with frequent foggy days and the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers within the city. This influence is reflected in the building’s organic, flowing form that seamlessly blends into the natural landscape.
The key to achieving this smooth visual flow is the “Y-shaped” design system developed by the team. This design language permeates every aspect of the project—from the cantilevered steel frame and roof panels to the ventilation, exterior glass, and lighting systems. It enables the large structure to appear lightweight while maintaining a harmonious and unified aesthetic.
Gensler also led the interior design, continuing the Y-shaped motif within the venue. While the interior embraces a stable, atmospheric Chinese style, the design team cleverly integrates Y-shaped elements into curved grooves and core tube structures of the walls, creating an organic connection between the inside and outside. Additionally, copper doors and decorative glass patterns inside the pavilion subtly reference Chongqing’s unique geography.
To efficiently and accurately realize the complex geometry of the building, Gensler incorporated parametric design techniques. By constructing highly customizable parametric models, the design team could update a single parameter and have all related components automatically adjust through algorithms, reducing manual work and streamlining the design-to-construction process. This intelligent approach significantly enhanced project efficiency and ensured standardization throughout assembly and construction.
In addition to innovative design methods, the team chose ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) for the building’s cladding. This material offers exceptional toughness and durability, providing the pavilion with a simple yet elegant white finish. It also reduces heat absorption from solar radiation, thereby lowering the energy demand for indoor HVAC systems during summer.
The design incorporates expansive glass curtain walls and roof skylights, maximizing natural light inside the building. This not only reduces operational energy consumption but also provides occupants with transparent views of the outdoors. Well-lit public areas create a comfortable and inviting space for visitors attending expos and forums.
Viewed from afar, the Lijia Smart Pavilion by the park lake resembles a light cloud, echoing the name of the nearby Baiyun Lake. Rather than a towering structure dominating the park, Gensler’s design embraces nature organically, creating a dialogue between the building and its environment.
Project Information
Architect: Gensler
Area: 20,000 m²
Project Year: 2022
Photographer: Blackstation
Location: Chongqing
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