CLOUD-LIKE DESIGN FOR ARANYA CENTER

A new multi-purpose public space began construction earlier this year which offers a floating-like design near the scenic Beidaihe coastline in north-eastern China. The building will provide Aranya (a vibrant seaside arts and culture community) a new space for a variety of functions, as well as sculptured landscapes imagined as a ‘white stone garden.’

From a distance, the building reminisces a cloud floating in the forest. The structure's polished, white-stained glass exterior reflects the sunlight, sky, and landscape – changing light and colour with respect to its surroundings. Visitors are met at the entrance with a reflective pool amidst the lush landscape.

A series of structural overhangs create the floating effect with some reaching 30 meters high. The cloud’s mass is balanced and suspended from the building’s central core, which provides support for the entire structure and its open-plan, column-free interior. A low circular wall surrounds the building's exterior, forming a tranquil landscape.

The interior boasts a press conference room, a small theatre and exhibition spaces. The impressive multi-purpose room extends upwards through a swirling ceiling. Skylights were incorporated in the ceilings to allow as much natural light as possible into the space. The building also includes open spaces and movable walls to provide optimum spatial flexibility that meet the needs of exhibitions, theatrical performances, and conferences. Construction of the Cloud Centre began in March 2021 and is expected to be completed in 2022.

Images via Arch Daily