Jinhua, China

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Jinhua Architecture Park (*)

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The pavilion #1 is situated at a crucial point of the JinHua Architecture Park. Not only is it the first pavilion of the collective 17. It also overlooks a significant bend of the riverbank. It therefore marks the turning point in the overall direction and perception while entering or leaving the park. This privileged position is stressed by the use associated with the mini structure as a point of entry the Welcome Center.

Principles

So the pavilion #1 is conceived as an opening gesture of the entire park. So the principle function should be a look out and point of vista in order to perceive the surrounding of the park, its dimension and as many pavilions within it as possible. Above that it may be understood as an entrance marker in order to ensure orientation. It may possible also work as a meeting point for guided tours or special groups.

Interior use

Within the actual building an exhibition space unfolds along the passage way around the stairs. Its primary us is to enforce the functions mentioned above. On the other hand it is a shady and intricate interior, which allows a very lively but calm procession through the patterns of light and shade.

Exterior use

Obviously the opportunity to get a panoramic view is promise enough to climb to the roof terrace. The specific lay out of the flight of stairs is not only designed to be tempting gesture to reach the roof but also as a form to supplement for furniture. A school class could use the stairs for a group picture or visit could sit on them while studying maps or event lists of the park. The tilt in direction of the flight of stairs allows for a more informal way and leads toward the center of the structure. The opportunity to take two flights allows a very scenic ascent or descent.

Typology

Pavilion #1 creates a curiosity challenge. The facade reveals enough of the inside to raise a question, but not enough to give definite answers. It is more a translucent sculpture than self-explaining building. The maximum challenge will be addressed through visitors walking on the roof of the pavilion. This privilege of view will be magnet of attention.

Exposure

The monolithic facade with its shimmering interior should be on an open plane, where visitors could encircle it. Like the Kaaba in Mekka it should be an object which rests in itself but enough energy to encircle it in different distances.

The out layer of the faced is constructed like Chinese lattice pattern in one plane. Actually three sets of beams interlock to produce a shell around a ring of mullion. The mullions or posts are elevated on a platform of a brick floor.

(*)

This project appeared on europaconcorsi home page slideshow dedicated to jinhua architecture park. The series was realized in cooperation with Iwan Baan. We thank him for his help, kindness and professional advice.

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