Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park is a precious and well-preserved wetland located in the west of the city centre, 5km away from the West Lake. Its boundary to the east is Zijing xiang Road, to the south is Yanshan Road, and to the north is the extension of Wenxin Road - a total area of 10.64 square kilometers. WSP Architect has master-planned and designed the entire landscape an ‘art village’ , and twelve other studios were invited to finish various pavilions in the masterplan.
With regard to the landscape, WSP stresses the ecological priorities, focusing on culture, minimum intervention, restoration of damaged areas and sustainable development. In giving such respect to the original environment, the design saves and protects the existing ponds, lakes, woodlands and vegetation. It also retains a portion of the existing houses that were in a condition to be restored. With these old houses spread throughout the wetland, the place creates a romantic ambiance.
The scattered sites which contain the original houses were used to anchor functional groups, and build self-contained villages in separate locations to form a multi-centered settlement system. Each individual body was considered as a discrete locale; functionally and spatially self-sufficient within a larger field.
Regarding the architecture, the concept is a combination of traditional Jiangnan architecture – pavilion and porch. The outdoor porch connects different units and extends the outdoor space. The pitched roofs are planted with various flowers and herbs - which blossom in different seasons - visually decrease the height of the building. The architecture naturally extends into the environment and emphasizes the core concept – The Endless Garden.
2008
2011
Location: Hangzhou China
Design/Completion: 2008/-
Site Area: 710000?
Building Area:5642?
Design Content: Planning Architecture Landscape
Function: Art Studio
WSP ARCHITECTS
