modern geometric forms and oriental charm define cultural pavilion by aoe architects in china

new chinese cultural hall pavilion by aoe architects

aoe architects has built the chinese cultural hall as an addition to the italian cultural exchange reception center in chengdu, china. composed of multifunctional halls, meeting rooms, restaurants, piano pavilions, and tea rooms, the new structure can be reached from the sino-italian pavilion through the cultural corridor surrounded by bamboo forests and peaceful ponds. the overall design is full of oriental charm and intends to bridge western and eastern culture while blending harmoniously with the lush natural surroundings.

the overall layout concept of the project was taken from the ‘ruyi’, the curved decorative object that china used to gift foreign envoys since ancient times to signify the establishment of friendly relations between the two countries. at the same time, the chinese cultural hall and the chinese-italian cultural hall use italian squares as their spatial prototypes. through the creation of scenery, form, meaning, and emotion, they interpret the cultural philosophy of the harmony between man and nature in the eastern world.

all images courtesy of aoe architects

seamlessly integrated into the bamboo forest

the starting point of the project by aoe architects (find more here) is to preserve the bamboo forest as much as possible. therefore, the different functions of the new premises are scattered throughout the planted area, and a wall separates the outdoor and indoor courtyards. meanwhile, a modern chinese-style garden is arranged in one of the indoor courtyards to create a unique interior landscape.

the piano room hides under the bamboo forest, creating a mesmerizing environment where the sound of the piano, the sound of wind, the swaying sound of bamboo leaves are all combined. out of the bamboo forest, the tea room floats above the pond, full of sunlight, and looking to the west. reflected in the quiet water lily pond, the pavilion adopts traditional wooden form, but carries out a modern translation thanks to the use of circular geometric elements.

cross-shaped arches and circular elements remind of chinese calligraphy

continuous cross-shaped arch columns extend from the interior to the exterior, while transparent glass curtain walls eliminate the boundary between indoor and outdoor areas. at the same time, the exterior circular corridor frame creates a varied and quiet experience of light and shadow. the courtyard wall stretches out from this cultural corridor, passing through the bamboo forests, connecting the houses, resembling the freehand brushwork and relaxation of chinese calligraphy. the opposite view window hole on the courtyard wall is shaped like a drop of water, taking the meaning of nature.

the chinese cultural hall is composed of houses, courtyards, corridors, and landscapes, accentuating the close relationship between architecture and ‘scenery’. the new pavilion fully embodies the eastern wisdom of taoism, nature, and the unity of man and nature. through respect and use of nature, the building integrates the space with natural elements such as light, wind, sound and smell to form an emotional memory that gives oriental charm. at the same time, it also serves as a physical expression and representation of sino-italian cultural exchanges.