overhanging timber volume tops zhujiajiao tourist center in shangai

a composition of two opposite triangle roofs

‘zhujiajiao tourist center’ is located on the west-north corner of zhujiajiao old town, a historical conservation area in qingpu district, shanghai. the site is also a cross-boundary between historical area and the new town developed in past twenty years. thus, the resulting design by wuyang architecture seeks to meet a junction between local historical features and contemporary characteristics. that said, the project is defined by an overhanging timber volume topped by a composition of two opposite triangle roofs made by a metal cladding system. this way, the construction follows the building regulation of the historical area but simultaneously brings a new identity to it.all images by wuyang architecture

zhujiajiao tourist center in shangai

the building of the tourist center spans into two floors: the ground floor, which mainly serves as an information center and public lavatory for visitors, is enclosed by a glass curtain wall. therefore, the transparent surfaces present a kind of publicity, creating a friendly interface towards the street and outside space, bringing natural light into the interior. the first floor hosts offices of tourist management and service. the form of overhanging timber frame brings the building an identity that is not only visual but also a material and technological conversation with those historical buildings in the old town, whose facades are always featured by timber windows, doors, planks, and components.

a well-lit pleasant environment 

facing to the street, an overhanging volume expands forward to identify a covered entrance space. the gable wall of overhanging volume is permeated, with grating panels covered by mirror-polished stainless steel. light flows into the empty volume, mirrors reflect the surrounding scene. a strip of skylight window is set on the overhead of the information desk to let natural light tackle in, and form a pleasant environment. skylights are also introduced into the toilet rooms to give visitors a better experience inside.

the design of zhujiajiao tourist center aims to respond to the historical and cultural context of the old town, but also pay attention to the experience of placelessness, as a general production of rapid development of suburb new town, and try to make a contribution to the reconstruction of the place.

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project info:

name: zhujiajiao tourist center
designer: feng lu, wuyang architecture

location: shangai 

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edited by: christina petridou | designboom