EID architecture designs four 'panda pavilions' for chengdu research center

envisioned as four sweeping gestures that blend into the natural environment, EID architecture reveals plans of the ‘panda pavilions’ designed as an extension of chengdu national giant panda research and breeding center. forming part of the existing facility, which is situated within a forest, the new intervention is currently under construction and is expected to be realized in 2022. the four buildings intend to attract visitors from all over the world while also functioning as a research lab to house and study the pandas’ behavior and activity.

all images courtesy of EID architecture

each of the four pavilions are designed in a circular form with a large open-air courtyard that serves as an outdoor playground for the pandas. inspired by chengdu’s prairies, the shape was developed by EID architecture to create a natural, organic architecture that nestles into the landscape, integrating into the topography of the national park.

‘the design of the panda pavilions is a convergence of landscape, architecture, and land art. while the project provides a pedestrian friendly navigation experience for visitors, it prioritizes an animal-friendly environment to minimize the alienation of ecology,’ explains ping jiang, aia, design principal at EID architecture.

the program of the panda pavilions comprises of indoor and outdoor activity spaces and living quarters for the bears, along with staff administrative offices and supporting facilities. there are also interactive exhibition and education spaces to serve the local community and to provide a place for the research that is undertaken at the center.

the exterior is defined by vertical timber cladding that covers a primary structure of cast-in-place concrete walls. the specification of pressure-treated cedar wood panels on the facades furthers the idea of creating an architecture that blends into the environment and reflects the surrounding nature. considering the special inhabitants, the design also includes water nozzles positioned around the pavilions to create a fine mist for panda friendly temperature and humidity.