Nanmen District Landmark (2010)

Project Data
 
Total GFA:   200.000m2
Location:   Jiangyin, China
Function:   New District (Mixed-Use, Commercial, Office)
Features:   New Gateway to Nanmen heritage district
Scope:   Urban Design, Architectural Master Plan and Sustainability Concept Design
Status:   Planning
 
 
Project Summary
 
The Site itself lies to the immediate south of the historic Old City which continues to be Jiang Yin’s commercial and civic center today. However, the project has a much larger potential then being simply a southern extension to the city center. It will become the Gateway allowing to revitalize the historic Nan Men District, an area famous for trade and deeply connected to the city’s past and present prosperity.

The urban design follows three distinct historical motives: firstly, the motive of Gates, Plazas and Lanes. Secondly, the motive of the Woven Silk. Gates and Plazas are prime historic elements of the Chinese city, which also goes for Jiang Yin. Nan Men district carries this tradition even in its very name and the historic lane in the remaining riverside village is already marked with a gate and has more gates leading off into smaller lanes.

The motive of the woven textures of locally produced products was taken as an organizing principle for built volumes and circulation. Larger Buildings all stretch in an east-west direction maximizing impact by the southern sun and giving a clear directional pattern to the development.

The tower’s load bearing structure is a vertically oriented organic pattern with a random quality to it. It is combined with the façade pattern defining the enclosure of the actual usable space with a clearly horizontal subdivision. Both these elements behave in a fluid, 3-dimensional way which creates a series of unique spaces in the offset or weave between structure and façade. This geometric irregularity is deliberately placed and corresponds directly to special functional zones such as main entrances, conference centers, hotel lobby and spa areas.