three ecological pavilions by HCCH studio craft unconventional follies on shanghai's coast

HCCH Studio’s Ecological Pavilions utilize Sustainable Materiality

Lingang Coast Ecological Pavilions, part of the Shanghai Lingang Ecological Restoration Project, dot the 17-kilometer coastline, serving as landmarks and educational hubs for citizens. Designed by HCCH Studio, each of the three pavilions boasts unique characteristics, offering a blend of architectural intrigue and environmental consciousness.

The pavilions aim to fulfill three key objectives: creating distinctive features within site constraints and budget limitations, optimizing space utilization while adhering to floor area ratio restrictions, and integrating marine science themes into their form and materiality. Situated against the backdrop of Lingang’s expansive coastline, the pavilions engage with the landscape as architectural follies, employing unconventional volumes and materials to enhance the site’s otherworldly ambiance.

Designed as individual installations, the pavilions — ‘Membrane Sea Snail,’ ‘3D print Plastic Wave Breaker Splash,’ and ‘Recycled Brick Coral Reef’ — share common characteristics, including recognizable forms, porous structures, and educational exhibits. These distinctive features contribute to their unique identities while ensuring maximum visibility and impact.

all images by Qingyan Zhu

3D print Plastic Wave Breaker Splash forms artificial rock cave

3D print Plastic Wave Breaker Splash pavilion, situated near the Donghai Bridge, mimics the porous nature of Chinese scholar stones, inviting visitors to explore wave-like artificial rock caves. Comprising 228 standardized 3D printed units, the installation by HCCH Studio provides a dynamic experience through modular design and high-strength materials, ensuring durability against coastal winds.

Lingang Coast Ecological Pavilions stand as landmarks along Shanghai’s coastline

Membrane Sea Snail pavilion stands beneath wind turbine

Membrane Sea Snail is nestled beneath a towering wind turbine. This pavilion features an inverted structure covered with a silver fabric membrane. Originally envisioned with a biomimetic sea urchin-like design, cost constraints led to a simplified yet futuristic appearance. Eye-shaped openings offer panoramic views of the sea, creating a serene dining spot for visitors.

‘3D print Plastic Wave Breaker Splash’ invites visitors to explore artificial rock caves

Recycled Brick Coral Reef sets up An organic porous form

Recycled Brick Coral Reef is located at the eastern end of the coastline. This pavilion adopts an organic form reminiscent of concrete artificial coral reefs. Constructed from recycled red brick fragments and Corten steel plates, the porous wall doubles as a climbing surface, offering breathtaking sea views and recreational spaces for visitors.

designed by HCCH Studio, each pavilion offers unique characteristics

‘Membrane Sea Snail’ constructs a futuristic pavilion beneath a wind turbine

pavilions aim to create distinctive features within site constraints

‘Recycled Brick Coral Reef’ shapes an organic brick form at the eastern coastline

the pavilion is constructed from recycled bricks and Corten steel plates

the installation enhances the landscape and fosters public engagement

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project info:

name: The Possibilities of Pavilion, Three Ecological Pavilions by the Sea
architect: HCCH Studio | @hcchstudio

location: Lingang Coast, Shanghai, China

photography: Qingyan Zhu

Pavilion A:

name: Sea Snail, PES Membrane Pavilion

design team: Hao Chen, Chenchen Hu, Yu Xiao, Xi, Cai, Yida Hou

LDI: Shanghai Youwei Engineering Design Co.,Ltd.

PES membrane: Serge Ferrari Group

Pavilion B:

name: Wave Breaker, 3d-print Plastic Pavilion

design team: Hao Chen, Chenchen Hu, Ziyan Ge, Yida Hou, Yifan Zhu

LDI: Shanghai Youwei Engineering Design Co.,Ltd.

3d-print: Xuberance

Pavilion C:

name: Corel Reef, Recycled-brick Pavilion

design team: Hao Chen, Chenchen Hu, Ziyan Ge, Yida Hou, Wenxi Li

LDI: Shanghai Youwei Engineering Design Co.,Ltd.

recycled-brick supplier: Hongjie Xu

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom