ZiGong Neighbourhood Centre, Sichuan, China
Project Scope: New
Project Submitted: 2010
In collaboration with Cendes International
Designed as a neighbourhood focal point to serve the varied needs of residents in the new HanHu Ecological City in Zigong, the project not only fulfils its programmatic requirements but also demonstrates the ideals of a new and sustainable city.
Passive design elements encourage a high level of greenery, natural ventilation, and daylighting. The original terrain is retained, optimised, and moderated to provide a neighbourhood recreational lake, both to act as a foreground for the buildings and to establish the locale as a main gathering space for eco-living residents.
The main building anchoring the lakeside venue is designed as a series of chiselled salt crystals inspired by Zigong City’s historical salt mines. Each crystal is shaped to house a key community program within its voluminous interior.