The project is located between the new city and the ancient city. From our research regarding the new city, we drew inspiration from that the circular landscaped square of the CBD’s new plan, and thus, the architectural layout, organization and urban fabric is similar within our hospital design concept.

In respecting the new city plan, we prepared the circular design and a series of circular landscape show the ties with new city area.

The project is located in the Xu Chang City, Henan Province. We fully investigated the deep cultural characteristics of this central China region and learned from our study of Chinese humanities to use the architectural idea that “man is an integral part of nature” to inform the architectural layout so that the building will reflect this humanistic attribute. For nature, we reference the natural scenery of central

China, and brought the elements of mountains and rivers into the design scheme. The form of the mountains and rivers translate into building massing so that it provides a beautiful visual experience. The mountains, water and culture of central China traditionally endow profound meaning to architectural form, and to seek an organic unification of nature, humanity and architecture.

The spirit of the theory that “man is an integral part of nature” is the core spirit of Taoist and central China, and is expressed as a layout form and shape known as the “Kun”. The “Kun” represents land and social commitment. “Kun” also represents land that is fertile and bears life. We use it to accentuate the noble character of the doctor that heals the wounded and rescues the dying, and to establish a glorious image and great spirit for the medical staff in how they nurture and care for life. Round Heaven and Square Earth: From a spirital perspective, as heaven maintains vigor through movement, a gentle man should constantly strive for self-perfection. As Earth’s condition is one of receptive devotion, a gentle man should hold the outer world with broad mind. With this notion in mind, we designed a layered space that is a series of bar-type buildings, not only from the conceptual level representing“Heaven and earth”, but also from the functional level by integrating each medical space. If the shape of “Kun” could represent the spirits and current situation of our hospital, then the form of “heaven”could imply that our hospital will constantly strive for the future. The bar shapes represents earth and the circular form represents heaven. The combination of the bar shapes and circular form postulates the harmoniousness of heaven and earth, as well as, the theory that man is an integral part of nature.