Shan Shui Plaza: A Paradisiacal Blend of Architecture and Nature

Merging Traditional Chinese Landscape with Modern Urban Design

Designed by Ruifeng Liu and Yan Liu, Shan Shui Plaza is a unique architectural project located between the new business center of Xi'an city and the Tao Hua Tan river. The project serves as a transitional link between the Central Business District and nature, preserving the cultural heritage of Xi'an by replicating the Chinese landscape Shan-Shui. The project's design invites the park landscape opposite to the site, offering the inhabitants a paradise-like escape from the city, reminiscent of the Tao Hua Yuan Chinese tale.

The project's unique properties are reflected in its design and construction. The building frames are made from white aluminum and perforated aluminum, while the facade is made up of three different kinds of Low E glass; Transparent, translucent, and opaque glass. The project comprises five towers and a shopping mall, with the tallest tower standing at 150 meters. The other four towers are 100 meters tall, and the shopping mall stands at 25 meters.

The design team faced several challenges during the project's realization. The site area was smaller than the whole project's area, demanding high-density construction. The architects had to meet the client's needs while also offering a green public space to continue the park opposite the site and open the project towards the city. The historical city of Xi'an presented another challenge, requiring the architects to respect its historical aspect. The project's mixed-use program required finding a balance between different elements: views, flux, and landscape.

Despite these challenges, the design team successfully realized the project in April 2018. The project was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building, and Structure Design Award in 2019, a testament to its outstanding design and trendsetting creation. The award recognizes 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.

In conclusion, Shan Shui Plaza is a remarkable example of how architecture can blend with nature to create a unique, paradisiacal space within a bustling city. It is a testament to the designers' ability to merge traditional Chinese landscapes with modern urban design, creating a space that is not only functional but also offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle.