Times Mansion: A Testament to Symbiotic Design

Golden A' Design Award Winner: A Masterpiece by Hu Sun - S.P.I

Times Mansion, a residential exhibition area in Nanjing, is a unique example of site reconstruction that respects nature and preserves original ecology. This award-winning design by Hu Sun - S.P.I embodies a humble intervention in the urban landscape, creating a forest theater under the city's concrete.

The inspiration for Times Mansion came from the site itself. The design team was enchanted by the goldenrain tree and camphor preserved on the site. They aimed to reconstruct the site while preserving its original ecology. The overall design, including space layout and flow line, was developed to avoid disturbing the original trees, highlighting their value and giving them new life. The result is a unique symbiosis of design and nature.

The uniqueness of Times Mansion lies in its respect for nature and the site's original ecology. The design team strived to intervene in the site in a "humble" way, adapting to local conditions. They used the preserved trees to create a forest theater under the urban concrete, a testament to the power of symbiotic design.

The realization of this design required careful planning and execution. The most crucial aspect was preserving the original trees on the site. After consulting with plant designers and structural designers, the team decided on several independent foundations to be built at a safe distance from the trees, ensuring no damage to the root system. A steel frame structure was used, covered with a layer of steel embossing plate and paved with waterscape stones. The result is a harmonious blend of natural and man-made elements.

The design of Times Mansion faced several challenges. The team had to find a way to preserve the original goldenrain tree and camphor on the site and give them new life. The space layout and flow line were designed to keep away from the original trees, a strategy that required careful planning and execution. Despite these challenges, the design team managed to create a unique and inspiring space that respects nature and the site's original ecology.

Times Mansion is a testament to the power of symbiotic design. It shows that it is possible to create a unique and inspiring space that respects nature and the site's original ecology. The design was awarded the Golden A' Landscape Planning and Garden Design Award in 2022, a testament to its excellence and innovation. This design is a shining example of the potential of site reconstruction and the power of symbiotic design.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Hu Sun
Image Credits: Image#1: Photographer Yi Ren, Times Mansion, 2021. Image#2: Photographer Yi Ren, Times Mansion, 2021. Image#3: Photographer Yi Ren, Times Mansion, 2021. Image#4: Photographer Yi Ren, Times Mansion, 2021. Image#5: Photographer Yi Ren, Times Mansion, 2021.
Project Team Members: Hu Sun Yue Wang Kai Wu Mingming Qin Tian Tian Rui Gong Chi Cheng Mingli Chen
Project Name: Times Mansion
Project Client: Hu Sun


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