Memories of Water: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature

Golden A' Design Award Winner Toshio Tsushima's Exhibition Gallery in Qingdao

The inspiration behind this unique design came from the beautiful ocean view in Qingdao. The designers, led by Toshio Tsushima, aimed to create a relationship between the natural environment and the architectural space. The prime location of the site, by the shoreline, allows visitors to enjoy a dramatic and panoramic view of the ocean while experiencing nature within the urban area.

The building uses a curtain wall system and steel fins on the first floor to minimize the structure and offer a panoramic view with minimal visual disruption. The second floor features ultra-transparent glass installed without any fins or frames, creating a seamless boundary between the indoor and outdoor space. A cantilever structure is used to create a dramatic floating effect, further enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the design.

The design process involved extensive research, taking into consideration the uniqueness of the site and the surrounding environment. Factors such as wind flow and the minerals in the air, which contain a significant amount of sodium, were also considered as these conditions would affect the design of the building and the choice of materials.

One of the main challenges faced by the designers was creating a communication between people, nature, and the architectural space that was not only visual but also aural, tactile, and through other senses of the body. The solution was to incorporate a water landscape around the building, allowing for a smooth transition between the outdoor and the indoor, as well as from the urban area to nature.

The "Memories of Water" exhibition gallery is not just a building, but a lifestyle space where people can appreciate the ocean scenery. The project blurs the boundary of space and strengthens the interaction between visitors and the sea by creating architecture that reflects the water, the blow of wind, changing light, and shimmering sounds. The cantilever floating design allows visitors to enjoy the panoramic ocean view, hosting people’s memories beyond its simple form.

This innovative design was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding and trendsetting creation that advances art, science, design, and technology. The "Memories of Water" is indeed a marvelous architectural piece that significantly impacts the world with its desirable characteristics.