archiplein play with light and massing for haokang complex
all images courtesy of archiplein
adopting a sculptural approach to massing, the ‘haokang complex’ by chinese studio archiplein features a row of carved-out, irregular towers. located in kunshan, china, the project includes offices and a hotel – and planned over several phases, the resulting forms were split into three separate entities. wanting to deviate away from the all-glass architecture that typically dominates most office buildings, the heavy forms manage to evoke a sense of movement and lightness through their off-set façades. strongly expressing the structure, the massive, heavy and rough exterior features wide openings, demanding a more physical presence that contradictorily creates a type of dancing motion.
‘they dance, they move, leaving light to play a game of reflections and shadows’ says archiplein.
the heavy forms manage to evoke a sense of movement and lightness through their off-set façades
the functions were split into three separate entities, creating a row of carved-out, irregular towers
the first tower and the entrance
the project includes space for offices and a hotel
(left) in between two of the towers
(right) the patterned façade
shadows and light reflections fall on the structures
concept diagram
project info:
architects: archiplein
location: kunshan, China
year: 2009-2011
size: 18 500 m²
photograph: frédéric henriques
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