LAND Community Center forms a gravity-defying gateway
Lujing Architectural Photography / YIike Studio/Hui Yang

LAND Community Center forms a gravity-defying gateway

25 Nov. 2020  •  Nachrichten  •  By Allie Shiell

Conceived as a gravity-defying gateway for a new residential development in Xi’an (Shanghai), LAND Community Center contains recreational spaces organized around an oval sunken courtyard that allows natural light to penetrate deep underground.

Lujing Architectural Photography / YIike Studio/Hui Yang

This gravity-defying structure not only has a unique architectural expression, but its raised nature allows the ground plane to remain open to a civic space for gathering and activitiesThis gravity-defying structure not only has a unique architectural expression, but its raised nature allows the ground plane to remain open to a civic space for gathering and activities.

Referring to a city wall and gateway with its mass, the building’s sculptural base has a dynamic rippling effect.  The lower part of the building is made using a combination of digital fabrication techniques combined with local craft expertise to produce precast GFRC panels. 

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Lujing Architectural Photography / YIike Studio/Hui Yang

The upper portion of the community centre is wrapped with a curved high-performance low-iron glass unit, resulting in light-filled interior spaces. 
Programmatic uses are diverse and include a community service centre, cafeteria, gallery, multi-purpose room for educational and recreational purposes, reading room, a daycare centre for children, gymnasium, badminton and basketball courts as well as a swimming pool and fitness room. 

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Credit: Lujing Architectural Photography / YIike Studio/Hui Yang

LEED Gold certified the building is designed to maximize natural ventilation and take advantage of its thermal mass to moderate extreme heat spikes through the summer. Natural light is plentiful both above and below grade thanks to the zen-like sunken courtyard. 

Credit: Lujing Architectural Photography / YIike Studio/Hui Yang

The flexibility of the building for a wide range of community activities aims to serve as a catalyst for a lively neighbourhood while the integration of contemporary design with historical attributes aims the reflect the ethos of the city of Xi’an.

Credit: Lujing Architectural Photography / YIike Studio/Hui Yang