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Centre touristique du Parc national forestier Baiyun, Lishui, Chine
By : Smith Vigeant Architectes Inc.
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 15th edition
Discipline : Architecture
Categories : Other categories in architecture / Concept & Unbuilt : Gold Certification
Connecting with nature: “ The mountain above the clouds”
Symbiosis between the mountain peeks and moving clouds.
The Tourist Service Centre is inspired by the surrounding mountains and its natural setting. The building relief is composed of 3 peaks, each containing distinct areas of attraction: an exhibition hall, a projection room and environmental science spaces. The mountain is the gateway to the Lishui Baiyun National Forest Park which invites visitors to begin their journey of discovery.
Inside the mountain (building), a series of individual pods are dispersed throughout the vast inner space. The irregular shaped pods have rounded edges and are detached from the roof structure creating fluid porous spaces which allows a unique experience for discovery, as if we were in the park. Inside the capsules are housed the program elements and educational activities. As the visitors ascend, the impressive curves of the wood structure are revealed.
When the visitor reaches the last level inside the mountain, they walk out onto the cloud. The cloud skywalk wraps around between the peaks of the mountain-building and stretches out onto the hill which bounds the pond. As the travellers stroll along the path they wander and observe, experiencing nature through a new perspective. Every curve leads to a different view of the city and the enchanting scenery of the mountains. It connects the building to the site visually, spatially, and physically. Once the visitors have completed their promenade along the cloud, they are invited to enjoy the local tastes of nature as they savour refreshments or a meal at the rooftop restaurant.
Materiality
Wood structure:
Natural qualities: Renewable material, the building becomes an educational tool for sustainability and nature preservation.
Slate:
Slate was retained as the material of choice for the durability of the building. It references the minerality of the surrounding mountains, but also has an altering character which transcends a variety of hues, colours and shine according to the time of day and surrounding atmospheric conditions.
Satin finished glass with gradient effect:
In contrast with the undulating waves and roof scape, the cloud sky-walk brings a misty lightness to the discovering experience between the peaks. When night falls, the cloud brings a playful element to the building, illuminated by changing colours and lights, thus transforming the building into a landmark for Lishui Baiyun National Forest Park.
