"Our main goal is to blend the building into this vast nature seamlessly." Says the design team at HDD Group.
HDD’s ‘Mulan Weichang visitor center’ project is located in the north east of Hebei, China, connected to the inner Mongolia grasslands, which is one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. throughout history, the ancient Chinese emperors used to hold autumn hunting festivals in this region. the design team’s main goal is to blend the building into this vast nature seamlessly.
HDD Group
In order to blend in the visitor center with its surroundings, Chinese based design company HDD created different ways as a means to achieve the goal. the first is to be inspired by local architecture. The second is to use local material including old stone, used wooden beam and rattan. Together with the surrounding micro landscape, the building is able to fit into the vast nature surrounding.
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"The relationship between architecture and symbolism has been so overwhelmed throughout the human history. Hence, the most difficult part of the project is to create an eternal relationship between the grasslands and the building." Says the HDD designers.
Many elements are taken from the traditional yurt building — the project’s pattern and facade. two big circles create the main living room, extending the traditional yurt layout. The extended boxes become the semi-public space. This kind of layout makes the yurt fit the modern life style. In terms of facade designing, by creating wooden frames in different thickness, the flower shaped roof could be made. Rhe interior space is derived from the traditional yurt interior by using framing in different directions.
© su shengliang
The main core of HDD’s ‘Mulan Weichang Visitor Center’ is the double circled lobby. The second floor provides the area for kids. The design concept of the main lobby is again based on the yurt interior. In the future, it will also be the central library for the region. By using the sunken living space, the lobby creates an intimate space for people and the open kitchen area creates a shared space for inviting all guests to cook together. The extended windows become the main framing towards the vast landscape.
© su shengliang
To view more information on this design project and others from the architect visit the HDD Group website.
Sources: designboom, hdd-group.
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