DISUSED ROLLERCOASTER TAKES FLIGHT IN NEW URBAN PARK
23 May 2019
An abandoned amusement park in the foothills of Lion Mountain in Suzhou, China, will soon become a thriving urban park showcasing the region's plentiful native flora and fauna, captured beneath a 14, 864 sqm aviary adapted from a dilapidated rollercoaster. Do you wanna take a ride?
Tom Leader Studio Landscape Architects (TLS) collaborated with Kuth Ranieri Architects to create the proposal for the new 74-hectare urban park. The project, called Shishan Park, will turn a disused amusement park into a thriving high-tech district, which will include the 14,864-square-metre aviary, tea houses, picnic enclosures, a sports pavilion and footbridges.
The new park seeks to celebrate the flora and fauna of China, which is encapsulated by the proposed aviary in addition to several pavilions. the proposal sees an economical and adaptive reuse of the rollercoaster, enclosing the tracks with a mesh that attaches to and surround the structure. The shape of the aviary will mimic Lion Mountain beyond.
Three screened vestibules will provide entry and prevent the escape of the wildlife and link to a 10-storey circulation tower. The elevator of the tower is wrapped in a staircase with large landings that can hold events and functions.
The main circulation of the aviary has been described as an ‘infinity loop’ of elevated pathways and viewing platforms that traverse up to the top level, providing close access to the birds and offering secluded areas to relax and watch. This circulation was designed by Kuth Ranieri Architects.
the aviary will be home to over 20 species of native birds and an animal care facility to the landside edge of the stricture will include care rooms, food, offices and holding enclosures.
The promenade of the park will circulate the mountain and its adjacent lakes. Pavilions will feature along this path, which will include tea houses, picnic enclosures and a sports pavilion. A natural material palette of stone, steel and wood will feature throughout the construction and the buildings will be as open as possible, allowing for the beautiful views to shine through and for pedestrians to pass through.
A large suspension bridge that passes through a mist cloud will connect a small mountain to Lion Mountain, offering access to the mountain temple, a call back to the area’s history and culture.
The three bridges across the location’s wetland have individual functions: one for bicycles and self-driving vehicles, one for pedestrians with a viewing platform, and the third a landscaped structure.
All images courtesy of Kuth Ranieri Architects