Water-Inspired Urban Complex Wins Golden A' Design Award

Pingjiang Times: A Harmonious Blend of Architecture and Nature

The design strategy for Pingjiang Times was inspired by the movement and flow of water. Just as rain droplets collide with the smooth surface of water, forming a series of concentric circles that combine and overlap one another, the programmatic building elements are expressed as arching legs that combine and overlap each other. This concentric circular geometry extends through the landscape forms that extend throughout the site, tying it to the significant role that water plays in this region of China.

The Pingjiang Times Project stands out for its unique integration of various elements. The building shape and façade system are created by curves that overlap and continue, inspired by the flow of water. The project seamlessly interfaces with the surrounding context along the river, making it an important link connecting the inland and waterfront landscapes of the city.

Realization of this design was not without its challenges. The project site was small and narrow compared to the mixed-use program given. The design team looked into different strategies for the masterplan and studied the street scale on the lower commercial center. The result was an open street under the towers, creating a pedestrian-friendly retail street that people could easily navigate from the east to the west of the site. This design choice makes all areas on the site active day and night.

The building façade, inspired by water waves and scripted by grasshopper, was another challenge. The ratio of the window and solid was studied carefully to give a comfortable sense from the hotel interior. The design separates vehicle and pedestrian loop and creates a big landscape platform on top of the existing pump station which extends to the lake to encourage social interaction of local citizens and travelers and benefit the local environment.

The Pingjiang Times Project was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building, and Structure Design Award in 2021. The Golden A' Design Award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.