Eco-Farm Series – Visitor Center

Kunshan, China

Architects: Vector Architects

Location: Kunshan, China
Year: 2014

Sited in southeast corner of Yuefeng Island Eco-farm alongside the Yang Cheng Lake, Kunshan，the visitor center consists of a multi-functional activity space, a pet dorm, and a preserved house used as office. Our design task is to explore how architecture should be integrated into such a context, to create a new and unique place, however harmonize with nature.

The empty flatness of the site is an essential character that we believe the design should respond to. The architecture appears as 2 horizontal translucent screens from the farm side. The first screen is made of perforated Cor-Ten steel. The corrugation reinforces the material and ultimately saves the supporting stud system at the back. The second screen surface is made of wood louver. The corridor behind it connects the three major programs of the building. Both surfaces allow the penetration of wind, light and vision. While protecting the space from the western sun, they as well establish a blurred view of farm landscape for the people in the space. The translucencies are sensitive of capturing the light, subtly shift the architectural image through the different season, weather, and the time of the day.