Chinese architecture is known for its brilliance and charm, and the recently completed Lotus Building and Peoples Park by Studio505 is no exception.
Inspired by the lotus flower, one of the most recognized symbols of Chinese culture, this floral-shaped cultural building rises dramatically from an artificial lake in Wujin, China, and presents the three stages of flower development, from bud to full bloom.
Surrounded by a park, the new spectacular civic building sets a new design precedent for the region and aims to be a catalyst for urban development and economic growth.
Built atop a two-story municipal building already existing underground beneath Lake Lotus, the Lotus building houses part of the city's planning office, exhibition halls, and conference rooms.
Clad in a series of metal petals, its interior and exterior are covered in hand-laid mosaic tile that creates a gradient of color from white to beige and deep rose, accentuated by colored light. A chandelier approximately 7 meters long hangs in the center of the building like the pistil of a flower.
Designed for energy efficiency, the building is cooled using 2500 geothermal piles installed at the base of the artificial lake. According to the architects, the center uses evaporative cooling from the lake's surface to operate a thermal chimney for natural ventilation.
At night, a spectacle of lights transforms the lotus-shaped building into a tourist attraction and a work of art, making it one of the most important and popular tourist destinations in Wujin.
Photo source: inhabitat.com
