At the far end of the entire landscape belt, our initial design objective was to create a small dock capable of accommodating two medium-sized boats, each between 20 and 30 meters in length. The dock, outdoor swimming pools, diving platforms, and fishing platforms all share similar forms. Their distinct identities arise from different components such as railings, ladders, mooring stakes, or benches. This approach allows a single-column elevated wharf, just wide enough for one person, to transform into multiple functional structures.
We developed five types of modular units based on this single-column elevated wharf concept to address varying environmental and functional needs. The overall dock layout is shaped by the relationships between shipping routes, riverbanks, roads, and nearby villages. It generally takes the form of a cross-shaped structure aligned with shipping routes coming from two directions. The angle it forms with the riverbank creates an enclosed swimming pool area. On the landward side, the dock extends through farmland and faces the village entrance.
However, after thorough discussions focused on flood safety, the “Wind Rises” function shifted from a dock extending deep into the river to a location along the Qujiang River bank. Here, it integrates into the flood control and slope protection system.
As a design team based in Jiangcheng Wuhan, the scenes of villagers fishing, washing clothes, and cooling off by the river feel deeply familiar—evoking memories of childhood spent along the riverbank. Sitting on the sloping shore, silhouetted against the sunset, accompanied by a gentle river breeze—this is a shared riverside lifestyle, vivid and timeless for all river residents.
The ‘Wind Rises’ platform forms an intermediate layer between the river, roads, and farmland. Following the water level contour, we constructed multi-level platforms at varying elevations using hollow steel grating, hexagonal slope protection bricks, and concrete. The lowest level submerges during high water, with hollow materials allowing efficient drainage. The middle level serves as slope protection that aligns with the terrain and also features a large staircase descending step-by-step. The top platform is an elevated viewing deck providing direct access from the road to the river.
At different heights, the platform offers various amenities for villagers to sit, relax, enjoy distant views, cool off, or engage in water activities.
From afar, the lighthouse appears as three semi-transparent square towers, each positioned at different heights on separate platforms, creating a new skyline for Longyou.
To achieve a lightweight structure, each square tower consists of a steel frame supported by a single column and is clad with fine metal mesh. This mesh softly filters views from both sides, producing a hazy effect. At night, the towers are illuminated like lanterns. Standing like giant trees at the village entrance, these towers serve as navigational beacons and river lighthouses, while also providing shelter and shade for villagers resting on the shore.
The raised eaves on the towers’ corners face different directions, resembling fluttering hems along the riverbank that capture the wind’s shape.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architect: Qing Weishe Studio
Area: 240 square meters
Year: 2023
Photographer: Arch Nango
Suppliers: Hongwei Brick Industry, Jiangsu Jinrun Cement, Ruifan Metal Decoration
Project Creators: Hu Xing, Liu Changming, Li Zhe
Design Team: Yan Chunyang, Luo Tingkai, Li Hongyu, Yin Ruobing, Zeng Simin, Peng Yue, Peng Hongyu
Design Units: School of Architecture and Planning, Huazhong University of Science and Technology & Qing · Weishe (Wuhan) Studio
Client: Longyou County People’s Government
Organizers: Longyou County Construction Management Center, Longyou County Transportation Investment Group Co., Ltd.
Joint Initiators: China Urban Planning and Design Institute, Shanghai Fengyuzhu Culture Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Bilibili Technology Co., Ltd.
Construction Team: Yanzhe Architectural Decoration (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Lighting Design: Stone Carving Lighting
Steel Structure: Longyou Xiaochen Machinery Repair Department
Location: Quzhou
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