An extension of the world’s leading research institute on panda preservation Chengdu National Giant Panda Research and Breeding Centre, EID Architecture has envisioned a group of four sweeping structures that would blend into the natural environment.
Designed to foster a cross-disciplinary collaboration as a care centre for pandas, the pavilions will have four open-air circular courtyards that would serve as an outdoor play area for the animals and connect them with the natural habitat.
This significant campus expansion in a national forest park near the outskirts of Chengdu, China has been approved by the city park district administration to turn into a research lab to house and study pandas’ behaviour and activities. Know more about the project on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
Inspired by the natural landscape of Chengdu’s grassland, the Panda Pavilions will be designed by blending the architecture of the structure with its green backdrop.
Inspired by the natural landscape of Chengdu’s grassland, the Panda Pavilions will be designed by blending the architecture of the structure with its green backdrop. Forming a primitive geometric circle, the pavilions tactfully embrace the surrounding wilderness within the topography of the national park.
Pressure-treated cedar wood panels will form the skin of the structure with cast-in-place concrete walls.
Designed to foster a cross-disciplinary collaboration as a care centre for pandas, the pavilions will have four open-air circular courtyards that would serve as an outdoor play area for the animals and connect them with the natural habitat. Commenting on this amalgamation, Ping Jiang, AIA, Design Principal, EID Architecture adds, “The design of the panda pavilions is a convergence of landscape, architecture and land art. While the project provides a pedestrian-friendly navigation experience for visitors, it prioritises an animal-friendly environment to minimize the alienation of ecology.”
Equipped with water nozzles around the Panda Pavilions, the pavilion will be designed in a fine mist fashion so that the pandas can live in a friendly temperature and humidity.
Pressure-treated cedar wood panels will form the skin of the structure with cast-in-place concrete walls. The wooden panels will blur the interiors and exteriors and facilitate better ventilation and natural lighting within the space. Its conceptual, minimalistic design will bear a tilted slop that will foray from a low viewing deck that will further rise to its pinnacle. Equipped with water nozzles around the Panda Pavilions, the pavilion will be designed in a fine mist fashion so that the pandas can live in a friendly temperature and humidity.
The Panda Pavilions will be housing indoor and outdoor activity spaces alongside living quarters, administrative offices and other supporting facilities.
The Panda Pavilions will be housing indoor and outdoor activity spaces alongside living quarters, administrative offices and other supporting facilities. The pavilion is also expected to have an interactive exhibition and education zone which will be designated for panda research and preservation.
It is also expected to create a unique cultural experience by blending science, education, art and entertainment for the visitors.
The Panda Pavilions will also serve the community for educational and recreational purposes by attracting panda lovers from all around the world. It is also expected to create a unique cultural experience by blending science, education, art and entertainment for the visitors.
The pavilion is also expected to have an interactive exhibition and education zone which will be designated for panda research and preservation.
Project details
Location: Chengdu, China
Design principal: Ping Jiang, AIA
Client: Chengdu Tianfu Greenway Construction Investment Co, Ltd/ Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Gross floor area: 12,287 sqm
Type: Institutional
Design team: Michelle Bao, Sean Lu, Yunpeng Ma, Shuang Zhang, Chendi He, Di Fan, Xiaoxu Sun
LDI consultants: Chengdu Architectural Design and Research Institute
Master planning consultant: Tianhua Planning Ltd / Chapman Taylor
Image credits: EID Architecture