The project was carried out in Zhengzhou, China. Green ribbons decorated the area in front of the five-star Le Meridien Hotel. The architects gave an interesting treatment to the surface, which was given an undulating form.
The architects were tasked with the metamorphosis of the 6,000sq m square in front of the hotel, which was built in 2013. An original landscape was to be created in front of the building, enhancing the overall appearance of the building and at the same time solving the problem of above-ground parking spaces and vehicular traffic. The hotel is located in a densely built-up area and the green ribbons are intended to become an attractive retreat from this hustle and bustle.
The idea of undulating the area is a tribute to the city’s weaving traditions. The result is a sculptural landscape of weaves and undulations that create a high-quality public space. A series of undulating strips of lawn symbolise woven silk. The surface has been aligned with the existing pillars of the building, so that the green area and the hotel building now function as a whole.
Sections of the overhanging strips were finished in stainless steel. The shiny brown colour reflects the sun’s rays and makes the square visible from a distance. Some of these protruding elements have been covered with a black, mirror-like coating.
Interestingly, a new metro line runs nearby and the massive structural elements of the underground station are on the surface. The architects decided to hide these elements somewhat. They managed to cover up four ventilation shafts and the emergency stair structure.
The hotel authorities acknowledge that the site is private, but at the same time open to all residents. The site is intended to become a zone for a variety of activities, from meetings with friends to a backdrop for wedding photo shoots to a space for cultural events.
design: Shma(shmadesigns.com)
photos: Arch-exist
source: v2com
Read also: Plazas, Squares, Parks | Urban furniture | Featured | Interesting facts | whiteMAD on Instagram
