MUDA-Architects prioritizes sustainability and cultural heritage with FUDAO–Lujiatan Wetland Park Commercial Service Center
The FUDAO–Lujiatan Wetland Park Commercial Service Center, designed by MUDA-Architects, is a project deeply embedded in the historical and ecological fabric of Wenjiang District, Chengdu City. Wenjiang, once known as the “City of Willows,” carries a legacy of cultural richness and environmental harmony, a heritage that has been thoughtfully interpreted through contemporary architecture. The project, situated within the lush landscapes of Lujiatan Wetland Park, harnesses the site’s natural beauty and strategic location at the confluence of the Jinma and Minjiang Rivers. By integrating commerce, ecology, and leisure, the design aspires to offer a seamless experience where modernity and nature coexist in equilibrium.
Drawing inspiration from the fluidity of riverbeds, the architecture reimagines the natural contours of the Jinma River, translating them into rhythmic and flowing forms. This abstraction of nature, expressed through a modern design vocabulary, pays homage to the region’s cultural identity while enhancing the site’s ecological essence. Rejecting traditional mimicry, the design instead employs contemporary techniques to craft a structure that resonates with both history and innovation. The interplay between lightness and landscape ensures that the building integrates harmoniously with the wetland surroundings, creating a distinctive architectural landmark.
A profound connection with nature informs the spatial composition of the project. Referencing the traditional Chinese garden pavilion, the structure reinterprets the dynamic relationship between roof and column with modern materials and techniques. The undulating curves of the building, inspired by river textures, foster a visual continuity with the environment. Clad in white metallic panels, the roof extends horizontally, enhancing the illusion of the structure floating above the wetland. The use of transparent glass facades further dissolves the boundary between built and natural environments, immersing visitors in an experience of serenity and openness.
Breaking conventional retail spatial planning, the project adopts a modular and flexible layout that enhances engagement and exploration. The interconnected spatial zones encourage movement, inviting visitors to navigate the space with curiosity. A key feature of the design is its multi-layered public realm, where a walkable rooftop seamlessly links to a ground-level wooden platform. This integration of levels creates an immersive setting that connects users to the wetland park. The platform, extending towards the water, forms a cantilevered hydrophilic structure, providing visitors with an intimate encounter with nature while maintaining a strong architectural presence along the Jinma River greenway.
The double-helix observation tower serves as the focal point of the complex, strategically positioned to enhance spatial rhythm and visual coherence. This element introduces a dynamic vertical dimension to the design, inviting visitors to ascend a gently spiraling staircase. As they climb, varying perspectives of the wetland unfold, culminating in a panoramic view of Longmen Mountain and the distant snow-capped peaks. The tower functions as both a landmark and an experiential node, offering a multi-sensory interaction with the landscape.
Sustainability lies at the heart of the project, ensuring minimal disruption to the delicate wetland ecosystem. The strategic selection of the site mitigates ecological impact, preserving native vegetation and water systems. Prefabricated steel structures were employed during construction to reduce on-site machinery use, further reinforcing the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The material palette, consisting of antiseptic wood and white metal steel plates, enhances durability while fostering a seamless blend with the natural surroundings. Transparency and openness characterize the interiors, allowing natural light to filter through and ensuring that the boundaries between inside and outside remain fluid.
The FUDAO–Lujiatan Wetland Park Commercial Service Center exemplifies a contemporary approach to ecological design, bridging cultural heritage with modern architectural principles. It not only redefines public space in Chengdu but also sets a precedent for future urban developments that prioritize nature and sustainability. MUDA-Architects’ vision extends beyond this project, continuing to explore architecture that respects the environment, celebrates cultural memory, and contributes to sustainable urban growth.
Images by Arch-Exist, Dong Image, courtesy of MUDA-Architects, shared with permission
