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The Gate
The Gate
Xuchang, China
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The Gate
Xuchang, China
Firm
STATUS
Concept
SIZE
100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft
BUDGET
$10M - 50M
CONCEPT & SYMBOLISM
Based upon traditional forms found in historic Chinese architecture the Gate to Happiness interprets with modern form and materials a forward looking homage to the past. The project is conceptualized to represent the five phases of Wu Xing which are represented as Earth in the landscape, Metal and Wood in building elements, Water in the vapour diffused below the central oculus and Fire captured from the sun in solar energy. Further meaning is symbolized by heaven in the central oculus, and its reflection in the rectangular ground plan; the conjoining heaven and earth, and the four pillars forming the supporting structure.
CULTURE & HISTORY
The base of the Happiness Gate will celebrate Xuchang history in a landscape of symbolic forms, graphics and explanatory text. Visitors will be stimulated to navigate their way upwards through pathways in the landscape exploring different periods of history then culminating in arrival at a ceremonial podium. At plaza level visitors will enjoy panoramic views over water features set in natural park forms, on axis north towards complementary landmarks of the new arts and cultural complex and twin towers, and south towards the Science Museum.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING & ENVIRONMENT
The building and landscape will form an integral unit of sustainability. Grey water from the building will be cycled through on-site remediation using modern technologies and wetlands that naturally purify water both through plant transpiration and by providing an environment for micro-organisms that thrive on hydrocarbons and other pollutants. Rainwater collected from the roof will irrigate green roof elements and the surrounding landscape and provide non-potable water for water features and plumbing necessities.
Energy will be generated by solar panels in the oculus and integrated within glazed wall panels. Combined with geothermal energy generated from the surrounding landscape the building will target net zero energy use and resulting reduced carbon footprint.
Where possible building components will be sourced from recycled and low embodied energy construction materials adding to sustainable building performance.
PROGRAM & ACTIVITIES
The Gate to Happiness could be used for a wide range of activities. On the lower level the Ecology Centre will have interactive and educational displays which could provide a range of activities from public education and environmental education programs for school-aged groups to professional seminars on ecology. Because the Center has been designed as an energy-saving, sustainable building, it also illustrates the possibilities available when designing ecological buildings, landscapes and urban development. The facility will also be an information center and an entrance to the nature protection area of manmade wetlands surrounding the building.
From Parking or podium level visitors can access the upper level by elevators or stairs arriving at a grand one level ballroom with mezzanine. Pre-event space, meeting rooms, ancillary spaces, including offices, restaurant, gift shop, kitchens, change rooms, washrooms will complete a multi-purpose event space. On the ballroom perimeter an accessible outdoor terrace invites a 360 degree circumnavigation of the building with views in all directions.
At podium level a ramp will spiral inside glass faced inverted cone to lower level. The drama of water bathing the glass surfaces culminating in a lower level pool inspires the visitor in a journey to the lower level. Water, stillness in the pool, flowing in the waterfall, and vapourized above the podium unite the three levels. After dark the vapourized water will animate the podium by forming a projection screen for light shows of educational, entertainment and artistic displays.
Based upon traditional forms found in historic Chinese architecture the Gate to Happiness interprets with modern form and materials a forward looking homage to the past. The project is conceptualized to represent the five phases of Wu Xing which are represented as Earth in the landscape, Metal and Wood in building elements, Water in the vapour diffused below the central oculus and Fire captured from the sun in solar energy. Further meaning is symbolized by heaven in the central oculus, and its reflection in the rectangular ground plan; the conjoining heaven and earth, and the four pillars forming the supporting structure.
CULTURE & HISTORY
The base of the Happiness Gate will celebrate Xuchang history in a landscape of symbolic forms, graphics and explanatory text. Visitors will be stimulated to navigate their way upwards through pathways in the landscape exploring different periods of history then culminating in arrival at a ceremonial podium. At plaza level visitors will enjoy panoramic views over water features set in natural park forms, on axis north towards complementary landmarks of the new arts and cultural complex and twin towers, and south towards the Science Museum.
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING & ENVIRONMENT
The building and landscape will form an integral unit of sustainability. Grey water from the building will be cycled through on-site remediation using modern technologies and wetlands that naturally purify water both through plant transpiration and by providing an environment for micro-organisms that thrive on hydrocarbons and other pollutants. Rainwater collected from the roof will irrigate green roof elements and the surrounding landscape and provide non-potable water for water features and plumbing necessities.
Energy will be generated by solar panels in the oculus and integrated within glazed wall panels. Combined with geothermal energy generated from the surrounding landscape the building will target net zero energy use and resulting reduced carbon footprint.
Where possible building components will be sourced from recycled and low embodied energy construction materials adding to sustainable building performance.
PROGRAM & ACTIVITIES
The Gate to Happiness could be used for a wide range of activities. On the lower level the Ecology Centre will have interactive and educational displays which could provide a range of activities from public education and environmental education programs for school-aged groups to professional seminars on ecology. Because the Center has been designed as an energy-saving, sustainable building, it also illustrates the possibilities available when designing ecological buildings, landscapes and urban development. The facility will also be an information center and an entrance to the nature protection area of manmade wetlands surrounding the building.
From Parking or podium level visitors can access the upper level by elevators or stairs arriving at a grand one level ballroom with mezzanine. Pre-event space, meeting rooms, ancillary spaces, including offices, restaurant, gift shop, kitchens, change rooms, washrooms will complete a multi-purpose event space. On the ballroom perimeter an accessible outdoor terrace invites a 360 degree circumnavigation of the building with views in all directions.
At podium level a ramp will spiral inside glass faced inverted cone to lower level. The drama of water bathing the glass surfaces culminating in a lower level pool inspires the visitor in a journey to the lower level. Water, stillness in the pool, flowing in the waterfall, and vapourized above the podium unite the three levels. After dark the vapourized water will animate the podium by forming a projection screen for light shows of educational, entertainment and artistic displays.
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