Wanghujiao Mixed-Use Development | Suzhou | China | Perkins + Will

The Wanghuijiao Commercial District, as envisioned, is a significant commercial component in the Wanghuijiao Region within in the larger Suzhou Industrial Park. Our planning solution views the development not as a single, stand alone development but a component is the larger evolving Wanghujiao community. Our approach is to apply, on an urban scale, many of the same concepts that would be applied to a modern shopping mall.....more

The Heart of Africa Rainforest Biome | Chester Zoo | Chester | UK | Proctor and Matthews

The Heart of Africa Rainforest Biome will form the flagship first phase of the radical new masterplan – Natural Vision – for Chester Zoo. Simulating natural African rainforest habitats, this dramatic undulating responsive roofscape and enclosure will provide an immersive sanctuary to rainforest animals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, including some of the worlds most endangered species such as Gorillas and Okapi.

This dynamic environmental enclosure is being designed with conservation and education requirements as key principles. Visitors will explore the exhibits in a variety of ways including treetop elevated walkways and boat rides culminating in the bio-diverse strata of the biotope - from the dramatic depths of the forest floor to the upper reaches of the rainforest canopy including views to the Chester countryside. This is a journey providing an unparalleled experience and understanding of the zoological society’s vital role in the preservation and conservation of the planets most endangered habitats.........more

Xiangfan City Museum Hubei | China | Antoine Predock Architect

Fingers of evergreen forest reach down from Xian Shan to tie the Xiangfan City Museum and its site to the mountain. A welcoming entry rises out of the mist and gestures back to the ancient City Center. The building’s limestone base evokes the old city in a modern urban context. Flat polished stainless steel columns line the entry ramp reflecting visitors and the surrounding landscape in a celebration of procession. Adjacent escalators provide easy access to the main entry for the movement impaired.

The Chinese ideogram for landscape - Shan Shui - is literally translated to “mountain” and “water”. This Museum is a landscape, mountain meeting water, symbolic of man’s position between heaven and earth. As visitors pass through the five-story 30,000 gross square meter structure they simultaneously experience the exhibitions though multiple vantage points, unfolding an image in their minds, as in a Wang Hui scroll painting. The two-dimensional representations of a hand scroll are extrapolated into a kinesthetic experience.......more