amphibianArc forms organic yichang new district masterplan

amphibianarc organically forms ‘yichang new district masterplan‘
all images courtesy of amphibianArc

overlooking the yangtze river in china, LA-based architects amphibianArc design yichang new district masterplan with organic forms. the tectonic of the museum, planning exhibition center and auxiliary programs located to the south references the silk worm cocoon, a tribute to chinese empress leizu — inventor of the silk loom. the unrepeated pattern of the exterior covering is parametrically generated as to appear woven by nature. the diameter of the aluminum pipe used reinforces this effect. it is also serves a practical function. offset 1.5 m from the concrete shell of the building, the spun envelope acts as a shading and cooling device for interior spaces. inside the cultural centers sweeping forms circulate the visitor through open luminous galleries, interspersed with appropriately lit auditoria and exhibition spaces.

the museum, planning exhibition center and auxiliary programs are housed in cocoon-like structures

a system of ponds meander through the unbuilt site as part of the rainwater harvesting system designed to take advantage of yichang’s humid subtropical climate. several kinetic sculptures disbursed throughout the plan are powered by water flowing through the pools across the gently sloping land.

public exhibition center exterior

museum exterior

the entire yichang new district masterplan is conceived of as a representation of the local shan shui (chinese for mountains and water). to the north, the highest peak is the public service center. this structure includes four highrise and four lowrise buildings, evenly divided by the conference hall at the center. administrative spaces rise above in the tower, while executive offices are more down-to earth and organized around a central courtyard where they can be easily accessed by the people of yichang, consequently breaking the negative stereotype of an aloof government.

the public service center keeps official governemnt offices accessible in a central low-rise building