Among the gentle hills south of Chengdu, a new viewpoint has been created that combines the function of a tourist attraction with an event space. MVRDV Studio has completed the Pujiang Platform, an arched wooden pavilion covered by an earthen embankment that blends into the surrounding landscape on one side and becomes a luminous landmark visible from the plains below on the other.
The project was developed in response to the growing needs of the newly emerging city of Pujiang, which aims to provide residents with a high quality of life in the spirit of sustainable development. On the eastern slopes of the hills, where a simple vantage point previously existed, MVRDV was commissioned by the local authorities to transform the site into a tourist destination and multi-purpose event venue – from weddings to official meetings. The project was born out of the observation that the hill had been partially levelled during the construction of the previous platform; the architects set out to recreate its silhouette, creating a pavilion that echoes the former site and a new landscape form at the same time.
Form and spatial experience
The Pujiang Platform takes the shape of telescopic, earth-encased arches of wooden structure that lead the sight and movement of visitors towards an expansive viewing window and balcony that extends over the slope. The entrance to the pavilion is located in a small glass façade in an embankment on the south-east side. The interior is designed so that the roof rises while the floor falls – a solution in keeping with the natural slope of the site, which creates a grandstand ideal for presentations or for sitting quietly and contemplating the panorama through a ten-metre-high glass wall. A pair of sliding doors opens the interior to the terrace, allowing for a seamless transition between the enclosed and outdoor spaces.
Material and demonstration of sustainable construction
The structure of the pavilion is made of wood. In the words of Jacob van Rijs, founding partner of MVRDV: ‘By adding a hill-shaped pavilion with a green roof, we not only minimise our impact, but also recreate the hill that was there before. This act of preservation and respect for nature is the essence of the project.” This quote underlines the intention of the project – to minimise interference and recreate the natural form of the site.
Landscape, paths and biodiversity
The landscape design enhances the existing qualities of the site. Vegetation has been chosen to reflect local biodiversity; a roof mound with a soil layer 10 centimetres deep can support a mix of grasses, flowers and low shrubs. Existing watercourses have been used to collect rainwater and irrigation, and the path network has been complemented by a winding staircase that connects the routes into a loop. At its top is a circular secondary viewing platform offering full 360-degree views – both of the distant Qionglai range and of the immediate hillside surroundings.
In addition to the low carbon footprint resulting from the use of timber, the project introduces other environmentally friendly solutions. The earthen berm and its vegetated covering act as insulation and thermal mass, mitigating temperature fluctuations. The layered ceiling and natural ventilation allow cooling without the intensive use of mechanical systems. A large window faces north, reducing solar gain, while a canopy and surrounding trees protect the smaller, entrance wall from direct sunlight. Part of the energy needs are met by a heat pump using geothermal energy.
design: MVRDV
photos: Arch-Exist
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