Weihai, China
Taking cues from nature and traditional Chinese gardens, Zou Xiaoxia and the team of Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University has designed a complex that weaves into the urban greenway system vitalizing the spatial atmosphere of Weihai Port.
For its inspired ecological solutions to such a complex project, Weihai Port Complex Park has recently been awarded a 2022 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Built in 1918, Weihai Port was the first commercial port in the city of Weihai, a famous coastal defense fortress in China.
After almost a hundred years of changes, in 2013, the Port was moved to its new location, leaving the former site idled.
In a few years, building a ‘refined city’ and renewing the central old town have been enormously emphasized in Weihai, rendering the old port an important anchor point in this process.
The design initially focused on the vacant site, to fill the gap in the waterfront public space, provide a connection between water and land, and highlight the city’s past and future.
For its inspired ecological solutions to such a complex project, Weihai Port Complex Park has recently been awarded a 2022 International Architecture Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The architects adopted an unvarnished architectural strategy for the purpose of naturally joining two key east-west axes from the mountain to the sea.
Two parallel axes curve inward within the site and then spread out towards the open sea, extending the urban life both visually and physically to the waterfront.
The axes form an arch, geologically resembling a giant whale surfacing momentarily above the sea, which echoes with the local legend of whale bone fossils.
Because of coastal protection, as well as an aging population and a conservative urban planning mentality, the current waterfront is stacked with black pine forests and greenery parks, which lacks vitality.
The new park is intended to regenerate a sense of community and stimulate vitality by introducing complex functions and providing a safe and comfortable public venue.
A parking lot and boutique aquarium are embedded in the basement and a science exhibition area and shopping areas are located on the ground floor.
On the first floor there is a kids’ land and a harbor view restaurant designed for families and on the top of the complex, a public library will be opened.
Inspired by the architectural techniques ‘borrowed scenery’ and ‘enframed scenery’ in traditional Chinese garden design, a huge curtain wall (the ‘eye of the whale’), is placed on the east façade to incorporate the scene of the famous Liugong Island as a part of the approach to vitalize the spatial atmosphere.
In this project, the local government has determined to restore the ‘great playground’ which will be reopened to the public for sporting events, musical festivals, and celebrations.
The outdoor space is woven into the urban greenway system.
Multiple outdoor paths connect the ground level with the roof, the city, and the sea, which extend the roaming space around the building and provide enjoyable walkability.
Under the adjacent layered overhangs, on the open terraces, and on the rooftop space, one can enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze on the deck, similar to having a vacation.
The harmonious coexistence of man and nature is a highlight of this project manifested in various aspects, such as introducing beach plants in landscape elements, adopting a seawater heat pump system, using seawater for the aquarium, and multiple resilient technical measures toward winds and waves in extreme weather.
The complex will further diversify the urban environment and offer activities and experiences for all ages, enabling visitors to gather and spend time together.
The complex will act as Weihai’s common living room, workspace, and learning environment.
Project: Weihai Port Complex Park
Architects: Architectural Design and Research Institute of Tsinghua University Co., Ltd.
Lead Architect: Zou Xiaoxia
Design Team: Yu Wei, Sun Tanpei, Wang Qian, Cao Min, Liu Pengxiang, Cong Xin, Ye Jingya, and Liu Mingwei
General Contractor: Weihai Construction Group Company Limited
Client: Weihai City Investment Group Co., Ltd.
