H2O
Program
/ Experience CenterLocation
/ Jiangsu, ChinaSize
/ 1000 sqmClient
/ PrivateScope
/ Architecture DesignStatus
/ on holdAwards
/ Ideal Architecture Festival 2020 Winner-PublicTeam
/ Carolyn Leung, Ben de Lange, Ruben Bergambagt, Valentin Račko, Arianna Bavuso, Ana Raluca TimisescuHexi is a small agriculture-oriented city in Jiangsu Province famous for crayfish farming. The new visitor and experience center designed by Superimpose is initiated to promote the remote agricultural area and crayfish farming and attract visitors. The building provides space for an exhibition space, restaurant, conference center and a small hotel.
One of the visual characteristics of crayfish farming from which Superimpose took inspiration is the water lily. Its roots are the nutrients for the crayfish. The design resembles a lily ‘floating’ on top of the water.
Superimpose visited the site and decided to design the new experience and education center as close as possible to the farming location, and even intended to be part of it. The circular ring shape is superimposed on an existing dyke situated between two different types of crayfish ponds. With its remarkable but prominent location the project becomes a literal bridge between farmer and visitor and promote interactions between visitors and farmers. The dyke also provides access to the pavilion.
The roof of the circular building is tilted, creating a full loop experience. The visitor can look at the crayfish ponds from the roof of the pavilion, which is the highest viewpoint but also become part of the crayfish farming process at the lower part of the tilted circle.
The repetitive wooden structure gives the building a clear structural and recognizable framework. From the main circle, it’s possible to access even further onto the crayfish ponds by walking along one of the boardwalks, which stick out like tentacles. These boardwalks create the opportunity to explore and contemplate in the ponds. At the center of the circle, boardwalks create a circular auditorium and stage.