the forum of green garden for the qingdao international horticultural expo 2014
all images courtesy of runheng group
led by chen feng and zhou yanyang of the runheng group, the composition and design of the garden for the qingdao international horticultural exposition is composed of three parts: ‘the forum of green’, ‘the stage of vegetation’ and the ‘vertical garden’. providing a tranquil atmosphere in the grounds, the partially-enclosed space also promotes a more intimate connection to nature. to express the balance between the built and the growing environments, the area is marked with a scaffold-like sculpture. separate ‘chair’-like pavilions are accessed by spiral staircases linked by a stone paved ‘carpet’. the piece towers overhead to show scale, while a mirror-clad flooring reflects the area underneath.
approach to the garden site
‘the stage of vegetation’ is set on the elevated tables of the site, and displays the zen-style gardening technique aided by native chinese plants and stones. it focuses on following an ecological theory that matches various specimens in order to create an eco-friendly landscape. the garden in its entirety is also a platform for academic exchange. for example, the ‘chairs’ in ‘the vertical garden’ are designed as reflection zones and observation decks. the arrangements aim to emulate ancient chinese literary gatherings.
the bright white gravel paving circles through the grounds and weaves around surrounding flower beds
under the structure, reflective cladding mirrors and warps ground activity
detail of the mirror floors
spiraling staircases lead visitors up to different vantage points
‘the forum of green’ is built on a suspended bridge in the middle of the form. it is intended to be out of reach of both nature and human intervention. therefore, in a poetic manner, it can only be respected. visually stimulating with a white theme, the structure is constructed with materials of recycled content and low-carbon emissions.
exaggerated chair forms provide spaces out from which to look
detail of ‘the forum’
detail of the zen formed plantings in the ‘stage of vegetation’
the large sculptural chair resting on the paving
looking downward onto the weaving of the natural and unnatural ‘carpets’
rendered diagram of the scheme
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