Qinglong Ting: A Transformative Landscape Pavilion

Repurposing Water Infrastructure for Suburban Revitalization

Adjacent to the Gonghe waterworks facility, the Qionglong Ting Landscape Pavilion is situated within a picturesque village in Dangyang, Hubei. This innovative project seeks to transform the private enclave of the waterworks factory into a public sphere, reimagining the function of water infrastructure. By doing so, it serves as a catalyst for suburban revitalization and the improvement of living standards in rural areas.

To enhance the roof's volume and promote the act of lingering, the design incorporates a steel and timber framework. A 20-meter-long atrium is interspersed within the 35-meter-long canopy, mitigating its perceived mass while preserving the site's trees and allowing for increased sunlight. A series of inclined columns deftly shoulder the structure's primary weight. Elevating the southern eave by 50 centimeters above ground level accentuates the roof's silhouette, giving the entire system an appearance of levitation.

Instead of adhering to a conventional pavilion design, Qinglong Ting deconstructs the building type into two essential structural components: the roof and the podium. The roof section slopes southward, conforming to the terrain and shaping a continuous corridor. Conversely, the podium inclines northward, melding with the entrance plaza and converting it into an elevated vantage point for skyward observation. Through this redefinition of the roof and podium, the design engenders two distinct yet harmonious viewing experiences—one dynamic and the other static.

The villagers played an active role in the design process, providing valuable input and influencing the final outcome. For instance, the initial concept included exposed steel columns to accentuate the architectural tectonics. However, the residents expressed their preference against the exposed steel, deeming it visually unappealing. As a result, all steel structures were encased in carpentry, showcasing the villagers' unique interpretation and influence on the design.

This project exemplifies the transformative potential of architecture to reimagine the relationship with the natural world. The designers' recognition of the inherent contrast between the pavilion and its site, and their embrace of this juxtaposition as a catalyst for forging a novel relationship, highlight a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between the constructed form and its natural context.

Qinglong Ting was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in Architecture, Building, and Structure Design in 2023. This prestigious accolade recognizes the outstanding and creatively ingenious design that authenticates experience and resourcefulness. Esteemed for incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology, Qinglong Ting contributes to quality of life improvements, making the world a better place.