Project: If Experience Centre
Award: Façade, Gold, 2022
Location: Mashan Peninsula, China
Architect: Shanghai PTArchitects
Client: Greenland Hong Kong Holdings Ltd.
With a distinctive curvilinear shape and shimmering exterior, If Experience Centre is a striking new addition to a popular Chinese holiday destination. Its ergonomic design evokes the shape of water droplets, in keeping with its location adjoining the waterside tourist area of Lake Tai. It took more than 15,000 anodized aluminium panels, painstakingly pieced together with alternating colour shades, to create the stunning fish scale-like facade. Combined with hidden lighting, it creates a magical, multi-layered textured façade as striking in the day as when it is lit up at night time.
The centre features five distinct functional areas or zones, including a display area, fitness area, beach area, food area and leisure area arranged around a sinuous series of swimming pools. All benefit from stunning views of the picturesque lake and surrounding natural setting.
Design Highlights
The fluidity of the building’s façade means it appears to be flying, especially when lit up at night. A sunken courtyard, landscaped areas and a spiral staircase looping above the pool create “islands ” above and on the ground which echoes the surrounding landscape.
Photo credit: Shrimp Studio,Wu Tao