Located in natural surroundings close to the mountain, river, and wetland in the west south suburb of Beijing, Atelier 11’s proposal for the main pavilion of the Expo aims to create an artificial landscape. Rather than a manmade construction, their design echos the park’s site condition and the Expo’s particular theme. Simplistic form, unique spaces, and flexible planning become elements that both facilitate and influence one another in the overall design. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The architects take Taihu Rocks as the inspiration for the key concept behind the architectural form. Taihu Rocks are a kind of picturesque garden stones taken from the shores of Lake Taihu in South China since Song Dynasty dated back more than 1000 years ago and widely used in Chinese classical gardens. Referred to the combination of simplicity and spiritualism in the characteristics of Taihu Rocks, a form resulted from natural cutting and spreading becomes the ultimate design.
