Cheng Sun, Dagang Qu and Xi Huang · CLIENT: Harbin Institute of Technology Sun Cheng Young Scientist Studio
Changchun Aerospace Expo is a cultural building for aerospace exhibitions and education, set in a protected wetland in northeast China. The curved form recalls celestial silhouettes and the organic shapes of the wetland. A low-profile layout with a maximum height of 18 meters limits the impact on the site. The accessible first-floor roof joins the surrounding park. A custom steel framework carries the complex curved geometry, and an integrated skin of glass and metal panels provides insulation for the cold climate. The total floor area is about 4500 square meters.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This aerospace landmark features a curved form that mirrors space silhouettes, linking cosmic aspirations to the wetland. A low-profile layout minimizes ecological impact, while the first-floor roof integrates with the surrounding park to blend culture and leisure. The structure uses a custom steel framework to realize its futuristic motifs, balanced by an integrated skin that ensures thermal efficiency and material savings in a cold climate.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The structure occupies a total floor area of approximately 4500 square meters. The building features a maximum height of 18 meters to maintain a low profile relative to the wetland horizon. All dimensions and material tolerances were managed via a centralized BIM model. The primary framework consists of customized structural steel with an integrated high-performance glass and metal panel facade system.
- Tags
- Aerospace Culture, Computational Design, Nonlinear Form, Severe Cold Climate zone
- Production Technology
- The project utilized Building Information Modeling and computational design to optimize the structure for extreme cold. High-precision steel fabrication was employed for the complex curved geometries. Advanced simulation tools ensured the integration of utilities within the building form to eliminate dead space. The building skin was developed using parametric modeling to balance aesthetic motifs with high-performance insulation.
- Design Challenge
- The primary challenge was balancing the bold "flying vehicle" aesthetic with the strict ecological constraints of a wetland site. Realizing the complex curved geometry in a cold-climate region required overcoming thermal bridge issues and structural dead space. Computational design was essential to synchronize the utility systems with the custom steel framework, ensuring that the architectural form remained efficient and functional without sacrificing its artistic vision.
- Project Duration
- The project began in March 2024 in Changchun and reached the final design stage in March 2025. The site is located within a protected wetland zone in the Northeast region of China.
- Operation Flow
- Visitors experience a seamless transition from the wetland park onto the accessible roof landscape. Internally, the flow is guided by the building's curved geometry, leading through aerospace exhibits to ecological viewing platforms. The interaction between the interior exhibition space and the exterior natural environment is facilitated by the integrated skin, offering panoramic views of the wetland while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.
- Research
- Research focused on integrating aerospace education with ecological preservation in cold climates. Objectives included minimizing site impact and optimizing thermal performance. Methodology involved site analysis and parametric solar studies. Tools included Rhino, Grasshopper, and BIM software. Results demonstrated a 15 percent reduction in material waste. Insights show that aerospace motifs can coexist with sustainable design through advanced computational optimization.
- Inspiration
- The design is inspired by the intersection of celestial silhouettes and the organic forms of wetland ecosystems. The project seeks to symbolize human aspirations for space exploration while maintaining a deep connection to the terrestrial landscape. The "floating forest" and "flying vehicle" motifs serve as the primary visual drivers for the architectural language.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Creator Dagang Qu, Changchun Aerospace Expo, 2024.
Image #1: Creator Xumiao Guo, Changchun Aerospace Expo, 2024.
Image #1: Creator Dagang Qu and Xumiao Guo, Changchun Aerospace Expo, 2024.
Image #1: Creator Dagang Qu, Changchun Aerospace Expo, 2024.
Image #1: Creator Dagang Qu, Changchun Aerospace Expo, 2024.
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