Introduction

Widely known for “transcending the Confucian ethical codes and following nature”, Jiangnan (southern China) has fostered unlimited imagination and creativity of innumerous scholars and artisans with its trans-utilitarian aesthetic merit and poetic spirit. The aesthetic merit is unique, delicate, tenacious, graceful and gentle.

Jiangnan culture is more easily manifested by comparing with ethical culture of Central Plains in northern China, as it is represented in sentimental aesthetics and the harmony and unity between realistic demands and beautiful natural environment.

In the design process, we rethink how to put Jiangnan culture and Chinese traditional aesthetics into modern life. It is not only to seek fragments of traditional culture in form, but also to meet modern inner demands, combine ancient elements and showcase the ethos of Jiangnan culture in modern times.

Design Process

The external wall roof is furnished with slates commonly seen in southern China. It shows the architectural language form of grey tiles in Jiangnan; simple yet elegant tiles with

natural texture present a contrast with light and transparent glass curtain wall; stainless steel columns constitute the order of the main façade.

To reduce construction cost, the main façade glass is segmented, and the segmented position is installed with stainless steel perforated plate to make the façade look more refined and diversified.

To make stainless steel columns of the main façade look thinner, trapezoid cross section is used for them. The outermost width is only 5cm along with grooved design to deliver a thinner and more refined look.

Refined nodes and simple and neat colors are reflected in water, so tender and tranquil. Neat lines function to vividly demonstrate decent architectural form.

Indoor Space

Ultra clear glass is used for the façade, huge and transparent. The sunlight shines indoors in the daytime; beautiful indoor space begins to appear from the façade when lights are on in the dusk.

Indoor industrial metal plates are combined with graceful curves; various wave forms are adopted to bring out unique features of Jiangnan.

Aside from traditional aesthetics of Jiangnan, new materials and new techniques are applied to illustrate the ethos of Jiangnan culture and give the space more profound oriental Zen meanings.

Project Profile

Name丨Suzhou Swan Harbor Park

Location丨Yizi Street, Taihu New Town, Suzhou (Suzhouwan North metro station)

Owner丨R&F GROUP, KWG GROUP HOLDINGS

Architectural design丨Lacime Architects

Chief designers丨Song Zhaoqing, Jin Guangxian

Design team丨Shang Yule, Zhang Yi, Ju Yicong, Liu Xiaoyan

Owner’s design team丨Yang Hua, Chen Qiang, Hu Yun, Ji Qing, Nie Haiming, Feng Jiasheng, Zhang

Sichen

Construction drawing design丨CSIAD

Curtain wall design丨Jiawei Curtain Wall Design

Curtain wall design team丨Gui Zubao, Sheng Anqi, Wang Yibo

Interior design丨WJID

Landscape design丨Shanghai Wendao Landscape Design

Floor area丨1200m²

Design time丨December 2018

Completion time丨September 2019

Photograph丨Schran Images & Pei hao