Qiaochengbei Park Visitor Center by Atelier Xi
The Qiaochengbei Park Visitor Center, designed by Atelier Xi, embodies a remarkable fusion of architecture and nature, nestled on a hillside enveloped in pristine forest amidst Shenzhen’s high-density urban landscape. The challenge for the architects was to introduce essential public-service facilities into the park while maintaining the integrity of the original environment. To achieve this, the design philosophy focused on preserving native trees by carefully interweaving two service buildings among them, ensuring minimal disturbance to the site.
The east building showcases a curvilinear form, dictated by invisible arcs centered around the existing trees. This winding structure gracefully meanders through the landscape, enhancing the natural beauty of the forest. In contrast, the west building features a series of trapezoidal structures that are either cantilevered, embedded, or resting on the ground. These innovative forms act as “metal henges,” providing a sense of directionality and rhythm that resonates with the surrounding forest.
To facilitate a seamless interaction between the new buildings and their environment, the architects selected weathering steel as the primary material. This choice not only mirrors the color of the native tree trunks but also allows the buildings to age gracefully, developing a protective rust layer over time that minimizes maintenance requirements for the facade.
Considering Shenzhen’s hot and humid climate, the architectural design integrates vertical louvers and perforated metal into the facade. This strategic approach offers ample shade and ventilation, adhering to a passive environmental design strategy that reduces reliance on air conditioning. While three offices and two nursing rooms are equipped with air conditioning, the majority of public spaces leverage natural ventilation, complemented by an effective deodorizing system to maintain cleanliness in the restrooms.
Positioned on gentle slopes, both structures are designed to minimize excavation and are partially embedded in the earth, enhancing energy efficiency through earth sheltering. The addition of green roofs further softens the buildings’ geometric edges, helping to reduce runoff coefficients and lower summer cooling loads.
In this design, traditionally defined “service spaces” such as restrooms, vending machines, drinking water stations, nursing rooms, and rest areas for cleaners are integrated as essential components of the enclosed public space. This innovative approach transforms the park’s visitor facilities and public toilets into a cohesive miniature village, enhancing the user experience while ensuring a harmonious coexistence with nature.
The Qiaochengbei Park Visitor Center stands as a testament to sustainable architecture, demonstrating how public service facilities can seamlessly blend into and enrich their natural surroundings, offering visitors a unique and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Shenzhen.
Atelier Xi: https://www.atelierxi.com/
