The erstwhile site of the East District's buildings on Haixinsha Island, once a warehouse for the Guangzhou Military Region, now stands transformed into the sole riverside hotel on the island.
Approaching the building's metamorphosis from the perspectives of the city and the island, environment, and inhabitants, the design team weaves a narrative guided by culture.
Coexistence of Legacy and Innovation--Within the existing structures and the courtyard adorned with ancient banyan trees, modern design breathes life into the traditional "arch window" elements, preserving the grand banyan tree on-site while enclosing the main entrance forecourt. The original window grilles, balconies, and structural systems stand preserved, adorned with new textures crafted to suit the hotel's functional needs.
Ecological Harmony--From the forest's edge, the building extends into multi-tiered terraces, seamlessly integrating with the environment, providing optimal vantage points for birdwatching, and offering a rooftop haven for outdoor gatherings. Within the urban landscape, this creates a space for symbiotic interaction with the ecological surroundings.
Cultural Tapestry--The building becomes a vessel for Guangdong's and Cantonese local culture, adorned with arcade-style corridors, sheltered walkways for wind and rain, and elevated gardens interwoven throughout, connecting the entire hotel and commercial cluster. Animated public spaces breathe life into the open commercial areas on the first and second floors, directing the flow of people and rejuvenating Haixinsha. Elements such as Manchu windows, floral tiles, Cantonese opera stages, and Dongshan Western-style architecture seamlessly integrate into specific scenes, unveiling the historical and cultural legacy of Guangzhou, a city graced by the flowing Pearl River.
Haixinsha in Guangzhou and the Bay Area stands as a city node perpetually ascending. The architects strive to employ the concept of "dimensional superimposition" to dynamically envision this axial area, interpreting Haixinsha with a sustainable ethos, presenting a spatial form that resonates across different eras. Hotel Indigo at Haixinsha achieves a flawless fusion of contemporary design and traditional Cantonese culture, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the vibrancy, vitality, and grandeur of Guangzhou's international metropolis.
We stand at a pivotal juncture in Guangzhou's urban ascension, privileged to be part of it.