The Community Center is a mixed-use complex of buildings located in the core area of Baiyun district, mainly characterized by high-tech industries and residential areas. It is located on a hillside with an elevation difference of about 12m. Following the movement of the terrain, the white horizontal public volumes and the dark vertical high-rise one progressively grow in a parallel relationship, creating a series of penetrating views.
The 13,400 sq m complex aims to fit in the local environment taking inspiration from the local multi-patio traditional scheme, called ‘yard inside yard’, where the central gallery cube is surrounded by a U shape outer layer of buildings. The orientation of the two public wings emphasizes the horizontal inclusiveness of the space and the porous layout makes the public life happen all around the white areas.
The distinct volumes of the building complex have been designed to rationalize the functions, to create an easier orientation and a more efficient resources’ allocation. The white lower volumes include all the public areas (community reading and activity center, psychological counseling and help center, art gallery and exhibition hall) while the dark high-rise building provides the internal workspace (training center, cultural affairs bureau’s offices, service center, archive).
While the lower white volumes highlight the public character of the building, the high-rise dark building becomes the vertical focus. The complex aims to recreate an abstract urban space, an inclusive community activator and sharing platform on one hand, and on the other a strong regional urban landmark.
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Last year more than 40 countries took part in the WAN Awards with strong showings from Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. And we saw some truly outstanding projects, take a look at the winners from last year here.