twisting lines articulate this experience center in china designed by lacime architects

with a design that pursues connection to nature, lacime architects has realized OCT chuzhou minghu experience center in chuzhou, china. sited within minghu lake area, the building utilizes large expanses of glass and horizontal forms to harmonize with the surroundings. 

images by schran images

the experience center serves to guide visitors through the lake area. the concept behind the project was to establish a relationship with the landscape by retaining the natural features of the site while adding variation to the skyline. to achieve this desired connection, the external envelope integrates a generous number of windows, allowing for both light and views, and meaning visitors can enjoy the lakes even from inside. 

with forms inspired by traditional chinese brushwork, lacime architects has broken up the monumentality of the massive volume. the horizontal segmentation of the structure also makes the heavy building appear to ‘float’ in the air. by twisting and splicing the lines, it looks like the structure is growing out of the site. the interior space is characterized by an upward spiral layout, offering visitors a place to gather, move around and enjoy a panoramic view of the site.

OCT chuzhou minghu experience center marks part of a greater project to develop the area. in the future, more facilities will be built around minghu wellness town, including a leisure base for family tours, a medical & wellness complex, a high-end spa and dietary center, a hotel, and wetland exhibition hall. 

project info:

project name: OCT chuzhou minghu experience center
location: the chuzhou avenue, the south drum district, chuzhou, china
client: OCT
architectural design: lacime architects
chief designers: song zhaoqing
design team: chen bin, lu jian, lin jingbin, di zhonghua, che, xigang, ke fei
client’s design team: hao dongxu, pan li, zhang yong, huang zhicheng
construction drawing design: tongji architectural design(group) co., ltd.
construction drawing design team: zhang zhen, wang lili, yang huizhu, zhu binghu li yunzhu
curtain wall design: shanghai zhongyuan xiongshi enterprise development group co. ltd
floor area: 41,600 ft2 (3864.8 m2)
completion: may 2020
photography: schran images

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edited by: lynne myers | designboom