This visionary building in Beijing is conceived as an architectural marvel, comprising two distinctive yet seamlessly integrated parts that redefine the cityscape. At ground level, a grand public exhibition space with transparent facades invites the community to engage with cultural displays, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the building and the urban environment. Above, a rooftop plaza serves as an artificial landscape, blending lush greenery and urban elements to create a communal oasis suspended above the city.
Project Name: Beijing Xicheng District Urban Exhibition Hall
Studio Name: selgascano
Location: Beijing, China
Year: 2023
Area: 12600 sqm
Collaborators: Paolo Tringali, Justo Díaz
Program: Exhibition Hall and auditorium
Status: on going
Floating gracefully above the plaza is a three-floor building with a smaller footprint, designed as an organic and private sanctuary in the city landscape. This intimate volume introduces a fluid contrast to the linear structures below.
The iconic image of the building emerges from the harmonious interplay between the public and private realms, transparency and solidity, nature and urbanity. This architectural dialogue not only captivates visually but symbolizes the dynamic spirit of modern Beijing, establishing the structure as a landmark that embodies contemporary design and cultural integration with references to the history in the heart of the city.
Seamless Transition and “a Grand Invitation”
The ground floor stands as an open and inviting public exhibition space. With expansive glass facades, it welcomes visitors into a vibrant world of cultural displays and artistic expression. The architecture here serves as a transparent canvas, connecting the interior exhibition areas with the external urban environment. This creates a symbiotic relationship between the building and the city, inviting the community to engage with the rich cultural tapestry housed within.
The new building is intricately woven with the innovative idea of an “urban living room,”. The whole ground floor is designed as transitional zones, blurring the lines between public and private, encouraging a natural flow of people, interaction and social community feeling. Social spaces, such as the cafeteria, reading room, and workshop, are strategically placed to encourage spontaneous conversations and collaboration. The architecture itself becomes a gesture of invitation open to the city, drawing in the community to partake in the vibrant activities within.
Flexible Configurations
The interior spaces are conceived with flexibility in mind. Moveable furniture, modular layouts, and convertible spaces allow for a variety of activities, from informal gatherings to organized events. This adaptability ensures that the building can evolve with the changing needs of its users, much like a living room accommodating various functions within a home.
Exhibitions and media areas within the building serve as a showcase for the cultural richness of Beijing. By integrating elements of local art, history, and contemporary expression, the building becomes a cultural hub, reflecting the diversity and identity of the city. This cultural integration further reinforces the building’s role as a shared space for the community.
Roof Plaza: Nature and Urbanity in Harmony
Above the grand exhibition space lies the heart of the building—the roof plaza. This elevated platform serves a dual purpose, functioning as a communal gathering space and an artificial landscape that seamlessly intertwines nature and urban elements. Lush greenery, water features, and sculptural urban furniture create a haven suspended above the city. The roof plaza is designed not only as a retreat for occupants but also as a public destination, blurring the boundaries between private and shared spaces.
Incorporating elements of natural light and greenery, the building aims to evoke the serene ambiance of a living room bathed in sunlight. Large windows, skylights, and green spaces connect the interior with the external environment, creating a seamless blend between the urban structure and the natural world. This design choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a sustainable and uplifting atmosphere.
Private Oasis in the Sky
Floating above the expansive roof plaza is a three-floor building with a smaller footprint. This distinct volume houses the most private and intimate spaces, providing a contrast to the openness below. The organic shape of this volume introduces a sense of fluidity and harmony, creating a visual contrast against the linear and structured elements of the plaza. This upper structure, almost ethereal in appearance, serves as a sanctuary above the dynamic urban tapestry, offering privacy and tranquility, offering a retreat for reflection, meetings, product presentations, business reception and investment promotion.
Iconic City Landmark
The combination and contrast between the two main parts—the grand public exhibition space and the intimate private volume—define the iconic image of the building. The juxtaposition of transparency and solidity, nature and urbanity, creates a dynamic dialogue between the parts, symbolizing the city’s rich diversity and ever-evolving identity. This interplay of elements not only contributes to the building’s visual appeal but also establishes it as a landmark that encapsulates the spirit of modern Beijing.
In summary, this iconic building redefines the cityscape by harmonizing urban functionality, cultural richness, and natural elements. Its unique combination of public exhibition spaces, a nature-infused roof plaza, and an ethereal private volume culminates in a structure that transcends the ordinary, becoming a symbol of contemporary design and cultural integration in the heart of Beijing.