vincent callebaut plans wooden orchids complex for china

vincent callebaut plans wooden orchids complex for china
image © vincent callebaut architectures

presented as part of a larger masterplan, this project by vincent callebaut architectures has been designed to combat potentially damaging migration patterns in china. as more of the county’s vast population moves from rural areas to larger cities, urban resources have been stretched, resulting in incidences of overcrowding, pollution and substandard living.

roughly half the rooftop is covered with photovoltaic panels
image © vincent callebaut architectures

positioned between mount lu (a UNESCO world heritage site) and poyang lake, the development seeks to promote a balanced lifestyle in provincial areas with a vibrant mix of both private and public uses that encourage eco-responsible living and working. within this framework, ‘wooden orchids’ offers local residents a vast retail complex that also includes a public library, a sports center, organic food courts and a farmers market.

vehicular movement is rationalized to improve and prioritize the pedestrian environment
image © vincent callebaut architectures

from an environmental perspective, a number of technologies have been integrated within the design. vehicular movement is rationalized to improve and prioritize the pedestrian environment, while a ‘pro-active landscape’ provides open spaces and an informal network of pedestrian links. streets, plazas and parking areas contribute to capturing water through a series of ‘rain gardens’. surface water is then filtered through biofiltration means before being released into the wider drainage network.

a ‘pro-active landscape’ provides open spaces and an informal network of pedestrian links
image © vincent callebaut architectures

a passive geothermal cooling and heating system is also employed, while a south-facing orientation strategy incorporates large photovoltaic canopies. at roof level, a large sky garden integrates children’s playgrounds, food gardens, and sports facilities. the project recently received an honorary mention as part of an international competition backed by the UIA.

streets, plazas and parking areas contribute to capturing water through a series of ‘rain gardens’
image © vincent callebaut architectures

a passive geothermal cooling and heating system is employed
image © vincent callebaut architectures

image © vincent callebaut architectures

image © vincent callebaut architectures

image © vincent callebaut architectures

at roof level, a large sky garden integrates children’s playgrounds alongside food gardens
image © vincent callebaut architectures

project info:

type: international competition, UIA
status: honorary mention winner in the professional category
location: mount lu estate of world architecture – molewa, ruichang, jiangxi province, china
plot size: plot 5 = 20,912 sqm
built up area: 30,000 sqm
program: eco-responsible shopping mall, public library, sports center, organic food courts, farmers market
project promoter: huayan cultural investment company, ltd., beijing, china
project manager: creativersal international, ltd., hong kong
technical adviser: chetwoods architects, london
jury: mr. ken yeang, ken yeang design international, malaysia/UK; mr. ashvinkumar s/o kantilal; ong&ong, former president of SIA, singapore; mr. silas chiow, SOM, US; mr. sean hinton, founder and CEO, terbish group, australia; UIA representative : ms. jennifer lee, OBRA architects, US.