As part of the Zhouzhuang Immersive Theater project, a former abandoned office building has been repurposed as a visitor and commercial center. The new program calls for a facade that establishes a fresh identity for the town of Zhouzhuang and its commercial activities. The facade design is in collaboration with the China-based studio Practice on Earth.
The facade design (Increments Studio) goes beyond merely clothing the existing structure with an outer skin. It provides accessible, integrated circulation that connects with the existing spaces as the facade weaves in and out of the building envelope.
The threshold between the screened cladding and the exterior wall creates pockets of space where shops, tourist attractions, and visitor centers converge. Its porosity invites openness and intrigue, while evoking the image of traditional Chinese roofs commonly seen in Zhouzhuang.
Project development, design and planning: The Design Institute of Landscape and Architectural China Academy of Art Co., Ltd.
Director: Dingzong Yu
Façade Design: Practice on Earth (Construction Design, Construction Administration) and Increments Studio (Concept and Design Development)
Facade Designers: Liang Hu, Naomi Ng, Haotian Wu, Yun Wang
Design Institue Manager: Du Ruipeng
Architecture and Structure: Xie Xulong, Wu Limei, He Yong, Sun Tao, Yang Lixun, Wang Chaojun
Other Collaborating Parties:
EPC General Contractor: Kunshan Economic and Technological Development Zone Construction and Installation Engineering Co., Ltd.
Façade system consultant: Suzhou Shaoxinsi Architectural Technology
Façade lighting consultant: ELA
Phase II Landscape Design: Suzhou Institute Of Landscape Architecture Design Co.,Ltd.
Interior Stage Design: Jin Tao Director Art Studio
Cultural Consultants: Hangzhou Taili Culture and Art Co., Ltd.
Client: Jiangsu Zhouzhuang Tourism Co., Ltd.
Photographs: Wang Yun
