Powerhouse Company's design for a new technology museum and reception center in Chengdu, China combines recreation with thoughtful exhibition. Conceived as a continuous ring, the Loop of Wisdom embodies an organic and geometric archetype of fluidity and flexibility.
The new museum and reception center are part of chip manufacturer and real estate specialist Uni-Hiku's new development, Unis Chip City.
Unique to the design is the introduction of a recreational walking and running path along the top of the loop structure. "While spectacular museums and reception centers are quite common in China, we wanted to create an icon that people can actually explore and use," said Nanne de Ru, founder at Powerhouse Company in a statement.
The rooftop walkway measures 698 meters around and rises 25 meters from its ground level access, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and distant mountains. Its surface is rubber asphalt, making it suitable for runners and those walking.
Above the track, 15,218 aluminum tiles compose the gridded rooftop surface. The exhibition spaces within the building offer a natural wooden interior with large spans of glazing to further emphasize the site's surroundings.
The project took under a year to complete from design to construction, with the design itself going from sketch to documentation in a matter of days, Powerhouse Company states. Eventually, a new school will be built next to the site of the Loop of Wisdom.
4 Comments
Coming soon to Taiwan: The Rhombus of Despair
...brought to you by the folks who gave you the Loop of Wisdom.
Ah yes, the Chinese path to democracy and freedom, the opposite of the yellow brick road...
Coming soon in a Bjarke copycat project near you. Fujimoto needs to pick up the pace!
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.