Vector Architects 直向建筑事务所

Kunshan Visitor Center

Kunshan Visitor Center

Vector Architects

Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang

ARCHITECTS
Vector Architects

CATEGORY
Visitor Centre

LOCATION
China

AREA
280.0 m²

YEAR
2014

STRUCTURAL AND MEP ENGINEER
Yuangui Design Institute

Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang

Text description provided by architect.

Sited in southeast corner of Yuefeng Island Eco-farm alongside the Yang Cheng Lake, Kunshan, the visitor center consists of a multi-functional activity space, a pet dorm, and a preserved house used as office.

Our design task is to explore how architecture should be integrated into such a context, to create a new and unique place, however harmonize with nature.

Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang

The empty flatness of the site is an essential character that we believe the design should respond to. 

The architecture appears as 2 horizontal translucent screens from the farm side.

Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang

The first screen is made of perforated Cor-Ten steel. The corrugation reinforces the material and ultimately saves the supporting stud system at the back. The second screen surface is made of wood louver.

The corridor behind it connects the three major programs of the building. Both surfaces allow the penetration of wind, light and vision.

Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang

While protecting the space from the western sun, they as well establish a blurred view of farm landscape for the people in the space.

The translucencies are sensitive of capturing the light, subtly shift the architectural image through the different season, weather, and the time of the day.

Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang


Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang
Kunshan Visitor Center
© Su shengliang


Kunshan Visitor Center
Site Plan
Kunshan Visitor Center
Floor Plan


Kunshan Visitor Center
Elevation
Kunshan Visitor Center
Elevation


Kunshan Visitor Center
Section
Kunshan Visitor Center
Section
Kunshan Visitor Center
Section

Vector Architects 直向建筑事务所
T +86 10 65167798 F +86 10 65167706
Vector Architects 直向建筑事务所
Rm 208, Bldg 22, 4 North Gongrentiyuchang Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China 100027 北京市朝阳与工体北路4号