Bronze Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2023

Mountain Waves Cultural Center

by Di Mo

A' Design Award 2023 Bronze Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
Awarded April 15, 2023
CLIENT: Di Mo
Estimated Number of Design Views: 10,854
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About Mountain Waves Cultural Center

Mountain Waves is a cultural center in Maotai, Guizhou, China. The building sits between two hills, and its form follows the wave-like shape of the surrounding mountains. The design applies principles of Shanshui art, which show mountains, water and people in a harmonious relationship. Traditional Chinese spatial types such as alleys, courtyards and halls guide the layout. A central alley divides the center into two parts and links the north and south entrances. Local fire bricks, perforated metal panels, wood, steel and glass are used.

Press Kit

Unique Properties: The incorporation of Shanshui art principles explores a unique design method to reflect upon, respect, and enhance the qualities of Maotai's rich culture and mountainous landscape. The use of traditional Chinese architecture prototypes, such as alleys, courtyards, and halls, as spatial features, aims to create a rich experience for visitors.
Dimensions & Packaging: Overall: 90m(L) x 100m(W) x varies(H), alley width: 10m
Tags: cultural architecture, regionalism, atmosphere, mountain, Shanshui
Production Technology: Local fire bricks, perforated metal panels, wood, steel, glass
Design Challenge: Challenges:
1. How to break down the volume using the logic of "waves" and create a sense of continuity between the natural surroundings and the built environment.
2. How to minimize the building's negative impact on the local micro-climate by designing a perforated facade.
3. How to take into consideration the local cultural context and industries.
Project Duration: Duration: 2 months. Location: Maotai, Guizhou, China
Operation Flow: The two hills (north and south) are connected by an alley that "cuts" the cultural center into two parts (east and west) - this creates "the landscape path". Visitors can come in and leave the building through both the north entrance and the south entrance - this creates the ground-level through-connection.
Research: I gained a comprehensive understanding of the site conditions, the local culture, and the Shanshui art, through site visits, conversations with locals, and online research,
Inspiration: Chinese Shanshui paintings feature mountains, water, and people in a harmonious relationship. The site is in Maotai, China. Sandwiched between two hills, it presents a unique opportunity for us to engage the landscape in the design process. In the background, we see the mountainous landscape, looking like "waves" of mountains.
Image Credits: Di Mo, 2018.