Beijing has a growing demand for places to host different kinds of events. As a city in rapid transformation froman industrial heritage into the servicesector, it requires spaces to hold business meetings, product presentations and leisure activities. In the past, hotels offeredballrooms for formal events, while industrial compoundsdidthe same for less formal activities. However, neither hotels nor industrial compounds can offer installations suitable to the current demands of companies, due to thestatic appearance of the first and the lack ofadequacyof the latter. Modern companies and organizations prefer spaceswithdynamic and integral features.
Located by the south bank of the Beijing River, an existing concrete structure with a space of 1,000 square meters has been renovated to create a refined space, yet flexible enough to serve the needs of multiple companies.
To the north, dark steel panels and large windows enclose a preexisting saw-tooth roof, while the west facade functions as the main entrance to the building. It also presents copper panels that find continuity in the interior.
Once inside, two-story galleries to the north that function as service spaces surround the seven-meter high auditorium. The first floor becomes the natural entrance and reception lobby. The second floor then becomes a place forcasual conversationafter the events.
Materiality
The sculptural ceiling is an important element that defines the character of the space inside the galleries. While the walls become dark elements made of LED screens and black wood panels, the floor works as a mirror to the roof's appearance with its brown wood planks. The roof made of steel and copper in the gallery on the firstfloorconnectswith the one on the second. As a counterpart to the galleries, the auditorium functions as a black box with gray PVC floors, gray fabric walls and an open ceiling painted black. In addition, steel stripsare used on the cage of the stairs, the handrails by the doors and various decorative elements. The auditorium is a room of 15meters wide by 26 meterslong surrounded by LED screens that transform presentations into complete three-dimensional experiences.
Renovation remains at a functional level, as the sculptural facades and internal ceilingsdefine the character of the building.
