The Huqiao Chengchaohu Nature and Culture Center in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, is a unique building located at the foot of the Fangshan Mountains, which stretches for dozens of kilometers to the southwest of the city of Chaohu. It embodies the natural elements of the surrounding ecological landscape. The building is designed by the Shanghai Qianji Architectural Design Firm, with the concept rooted in nature. The architect hopes to integrate the mountains, vegetation, and geological background into the architectural design. The building seamlessly blends into the landscape, becoming a carrier of light, rain, snow, and air, allowing citizens to experience a naturally shaped space.
The architectural exterior is peculiar, resembling a large wormhole or a wriggling worm. The architect drew inspiration from the morphology of natural organisms during the design process. The starting point was to simulate the wriggling movement of worms in the soil, shaping the form of geological space interpretation through such trajectories. Through rich and free curves and unique tailoring, the architecture is transformed into a futuristic “base”. Under the sunlight, these intricate and extraordinary silhouettes form frames with a cinematic feel, full of artistic sensibility.
To enter this “wormhole,” visitors can follow these three paths. First, enter through the ramp. The first path to enter the building is through the external ramp located in the front courtyard, which slowly leads people into a domed shell space. Second, enter through the grand staircase. The second path to enter the building is to go up the landscape staircase from the plaza below the roof. Finally, visitors can also cross the roof of the municipal road and walk across the bridge connecting the north and south blocks, enjoying the overlapping shadows of the building and the distant mountains. Inadvertently, they can also walk towards that domed space.
The two undulating shells of the building intersect to form a large platform public space and a vertical space perpendicular to the dome, allowing indoor visitors to connect with nature. This natural and harmonious feeling is like a building that has grown out of the grand natural environment. I wonder if this unique cultural center can attract you to come and witness its charm?
Image source and learn more: Shanghai Qianji Architectural Design Office
