Interval Architects 空格建筑事务所

Rollercoaster

Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan

ROLLERCOASTER

 Interval Architects

ARCHITECTS
Interval Architects

PHOTOGRAPHS
GU Yunduan

AREA
1200.0 m²

YEAR
2011

LOCATION
China

CATEGORY
Installations & Structures

Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan
Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan

Text description provided by architect.

Situated in a tranquil environment of one of the best vocational schools in Beijing, the project aims at providing an iconic image to the institution as well as redefining the use of an existing public space on the central square of the campus.

Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan
Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan

Initially, the client wanted to put on the square a themed sculpture with a monumental effect and scale.

Situated in a tranquil environment of one of the best vocational schools A huge pedestal was even already built for the sculpture to put on.

Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan
Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan
Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan

However the obvious problem of the school is actually a severe lack of effective public space that would allow students to gather and communicate.

What the school really needs is not a monument in the center of the campus, but a humanistic and functional gathering space for students and an event space for school activities.

Beijing, the project aims at providing an iconic image to the institution as well as redefining the use of an existing public space on the central square of the campus.

Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan
Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan
Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan

Therefore, with the intention to create an efficient public space, we proposed a continuous self-folding belt structure that resembles the image of a “roller coaster”.

The structure folds three-dimensionally to create a series of spaces such as open gardens, shaded pavilions and exhibition corridors.

The entire belt bends around and in-between the existing trees on the site so they are well-preserved and maximally utilized for shading.

Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan
Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan

The rollercoaster-like structure presents a highly recognizable identity to the school as well as a fun image that was widely welcomed by the students.


Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan
Rollercoaster
© GU Yunduan


Rollercoaster
Plan
Rollercoaster
Roof Plan


Rollercoaster
Detail
Rollercoaster
Detail

Interval Architects 空格建筑事务所
T +86 21 60483257
Interval Architects 空格建筑事务所
1/f, No.3, Lane 275, Shanyin Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, China 上海市虹口区山阴路275弄3号1楼