Centennial Architecture - Salmela Architects in China - 2006.4 (Issue No.43)

Author: None
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: The second prize in the international architectural design competition for the headquarters of Vanke Group in Dameisha, Shenzhen, emphasizes ecological and energy-saving design. This led to client requirements for a well-organized project. Therefore, in the Vanke headquarters project, the architects aimed to showcase their creativity, reliability, and durability through the design. Solar panels, evaporative cooling, and natural ventilation techniques were integrated into the architectural design. The double-skin facade and the use of bamboo and glass materials reflect the design philosophy of ecological architecture. The entire building is elevated above 5 meters, with multiple entrances, creating a sense of lightness for the structure itself while also forming a macro impression, making the building a part of the landscape. The spatial arrangement of the plaza and artificial lake also creates visual and spatial continuity.
The use of water is also the best embodiment of the ecological design of the headquarters project. Combined with mechanical ventilation and cooling systems, water accumulates cooling energy through evaporation while meeting the client's demand for natural ventilation. A 4-meter-wide stream flows through various parts of the building. The landscape of the garden and lake not only showcases aesthetic beauty but also allows office areas to enjoy natural ventilation and lighting. The sliding glass windows promote the circulation of fresh air, and the excellent lighting enhances the depth of the entire building. While people admire the natural scenery, they can also appreciate the architects' use of advanced technology and poetic expression of architectural concepts.
The conference center, luxury hotel, and standard hotel are integrated into a comprehensive plaza with SoHo. The facade windows utilize solar technology, and the entire roof is covered with greenery. Whether in the main hall of the conference center, meeting rooms, or the entrance, guests can enjoy beautiful views. The luxury hotel features a curved design, with all rooms facing the sea. The standard hotel has a tower-like appearance, marking the entrance to the center and serving as a landmark for the plaza. SoHo is a long building rising on a green slope, with external corridors enhancing ventilation. Below the ground level of SoHo lies the living area for residents, where people can freely meet and converse amidst the natural landscape of trees and streams designed by the architects.
The layout of the plaza incorporates various landscape design elements, including pools, fountains, and small waterfalls. The viewing archways face the lake and sea, while trees and shrubs are planted on slopes to preserve the natural terrain. The stream flows along the natural terrain, eventually merging into the pools around the headquarters. P69-70