Unusual Architecture + Yingkou

Yingkou, Liaoning, Cina: [BAYUQUAN VANKE BRAND CENTER BY VECTOR ARCHITECTS]
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

In the summer of 2012, we were invited by Vanke Group to design their exhibition centre in a seashore park at Bayuquan, Yingkou, China.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

We tried to explore 2 kinds of relationship within the design - the relationship between space and the scenery, and the relationship between public and private.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

Between space and scenery The site is flat and vast, with the endless ocean view at one side. The “height” and “distance”, consequently, becomes the key factors through the concept generating process.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

We set up an observatory platform on the roof of the building, where people could enjoy the maximum view of the landscape. The climbing progress from the grade level to the top platform is the indivisible prelude of the entire spatial experience.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

Starting with a gentle ramp, visitors will go through a preserved gingko grove, before walking into the inner space caring out the architectural volume. After going up along a defined stair space, eventually they arrives the top level, turning around, facing the bondless ocean in the distance.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

The platform is enclosed at 2 sides and the top, but fully open to the sea. Such a directional gesture assists to relate the limited place to the endless landscape, and mentally diffuse the boundary between the near and far, small and vast.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

The surface of the space, made of the matt finished aluminium panel, bounces the light and colour from the environment to inside, through different season, climate, and the time of the day, subtly changing the ambience of the space.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

The perforated wall facing east, acting as a time machine, casting the ever-shifting pattern of light and shadow to the platform, following the course of the sun.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

Between public and private By establishing such a platform, we hope to build up a positive relationship between the public visitors and the program of the client’s brand presence. The platform is completely open to the public, and the climbing ramp and stair system is independent from the interior circulation, which could avoid the interfering by each other.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

Following their own path, both public and private users have the chance to meet up at the platform. People could relax here, feeling the ocean breeze, taking photos with their friends and family, and being served by the brewery restaurant at the 3 rd floor. Occasionally, concerts and musicals take place at the platform at night time, making such a place as a focal point of the public activities at the seashore park.

Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects
Bayuquan Vanke Brand Center by Vector Architects

Location: Yingkou, China Architect: Vector Architects Partner In Charge: Gong Dong Project Team: Chen Liang, Qifeng Wang, Zhimin Zhou, Jian Wang, Mary Jane Kwan, Pingdong Sun, Feng Xu, Qing Chang Structural and Mep Engineer: Dalian Urban Construction Design & Research Institute Project Advisor: Nan Wang, Yue Han, Xiangdong Kong Area: 2,000 sqm Year: 2013 Photography: ShuHe & Shengliang Su