Concept
Occupying an emblematic position at the entrance to Wuhan, the spiral-shaped project symbolizes the movement and dynamism of the city. The plan of the building, a square with a large inner courtyard open to the sky, is an interpretation of the traditional building form, where a courtyard, accompanied by a light well, symbolize the hearth of the home. Thus, we have created a ‘living room’ for the citizens, a place of meeting, of exchange, rest, exhibition and visit.
Program
The Centre is divided into two parts: the west side houses the administrative wing and the east side, the Museum of Urbanism. A central covered area of 5900 m² makes the link between the two parts. On the ground floor there is a conference room with a seating capacity of 500 people, a restaurant and relaxation rooms for the employees, which look out onto a sunken garden connected directly to the underground rail link.
The building comprises a lightweight red perforated metal structure set on a solid white stone base. The perforated metal acts as solar shading and is adorned with a motif inspired by the windows of the local architecture.
The ecological approach adopted for this building is based on climate, local resources, the local economy and customs. This building has been awarded a 3-star rating for sustainable architecture in China, and has become an exemplar in the Hubei region. This is due to an in-depth technical evaluation of six areas: building footprint, relation to the environment, energy saving, water saving, choice of materials, quality of interior spaces and quality of the management and functioning of the building.
Team
Project owner
– Contractor: Wuhan Urban Planning Bureau
Project management
– Architect: Arte Charpentier Architectes
Technical Team : Wuhan Architecture Design Institute
Operation datas
– City : Wuhan
– Country: China
– Competition winner: 2010
– Delivery : 2013
– Built area : 80,000 sqm
– Site area : 10 acres
