By Eric Oh
WVA‘s “Zhuhai JIANFENG Bridge East Square Landscape Tower” proposal received third place in the Zhuhai Doumen Observation Tower Competition, held in July 2014. Their project began with a rigorous analysis of the surrounding geographical, cultural and socio-political context. Located at the junction of two rivers in Zhuhai, China, the Zhuhai Observation Tower is sited in an intersection of neighbourhoods: a place of destination and circulation for locals and tourists.
The tower generates its form from the intersection of three bodies, representative of three roads or three rivers that flow into one mountain, as a response to the Jianfeng Mountain across the river. Three elements at the ground level converge to become the central, vertical element of the tower, two of which would be bridges connecting a nearby island and neighbourhood. Continuing the concept of the Jianfeng Mountain, a series of potted platforms creates and a patterned, metal façade create a contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese Mountain and Water Painting.
A tubular truss and steel cross bracing structure form the basis of a lightweight, fast construction, cutting costs for the client.
At the top of the Observation Tower, a platform offers a 180° panoramic view, as well as a faceted mirror that reflects the environment and sunlight in fragments. A sliding-louver system is mechanically programmed to control the visibility of the platform, allowing it to be revealed or shut to assure the homogeneity of the tower.
Though the project will not be built, it proposes a landmark for cultural identity and cultural connectivity as the waterfront of Zhuhai continues to develop.
- Architects: WVA Architects
- Architect In Charge, Project Manager: Jean Hubert Chow
- Client: Zhuhai Huafa Group
- Area: 2385.0 sqm
- Project Year: 2014
- Photographs: Courtesy of WVA Architects
