Mission & Associates Limited were commissioned to design a unique and iconic sales and exhibition hall for a scenic property development in ZhongShan, a southern city in China. The space was developed in front of a golf course, which inspired the designers to introduce the picturesque greeneries indoors. The requirements of the design was to create a space that symbolizes the innovative culture of the developer, as well as to make the Sales & Exhibition Centre a landmark of the area.
Image © Ulso Tsang
The existing space is a rectangular concrete building with columns on regular intervals. The entire space planning of the centre was based around the view towards the golf course. The highest levelled exhibition area, VIP area and the main sales liaison were all position on the south side of the building which overlooks the golf course. The north elevation incorporates more private areas such as the contract room and office spaces.
Image © Ulso Tsang
The golf course also inspired the oval shapes incorporated into the design, through sinuous lines that interact with the rigid column system. The oval raised platforms have all been illuminated at the base, creating a floating effect to imply lotus leaves on the water.
Image © Ulso Tsang
The star of the space is no doubt the intricate ceiling design, inspired by the classical Chinese fable “The Peach Blossom Spring” written by Tao Yuan Ming.
Image © Ulso Tsang
The illustrated utopia in the fable is a place of pureness and mystery where the human are in harmony with the nature, yet not for the materialized human to discover. The beauty of the utopia cannot be described in normal sense of dimensions, but going along the path for it shall be amazed by the harmoniously changing beauty and richness in natural contours.
Image © Ulso Tsang
In order to bring to life the utopian place illustrated in the fable, in modern form, the designers incorporated hundreds of linear pearl white aluminum louvers in vertical contours. Some of the contours were intertwined with the columns to form various arches, while others were suspended from the ceiling to create openings. The aluminum louvers come to symbolize the vines of a banyan tree, as well as springs pouring down into the exhibit space.
Image © Ulso Tsang
Image © Ulso Tsang
Image © Ulso Tsang
Image © Ulso Tsang
Image © Ulso Tsang
Image © Mission & Associates Ltd
Image © Mission & Associates Ltd
Image © Mission & Associates Ltd
Image © Mission & Associates Ltd
The utopian design was shortlisted recently for the 2014 INSIDE Festival.
