In a groundbreaking achievement, line+ studio, in collaboration with RoboticPlus.AI, has unveiled Lotus by the Xiangjiang River, China's first dynamic architecture. This innovative project, located on the banks of the Xiang River in Changsha, merges interdisciplinary technologies with adaptive architectural designs, pushing the boundaries of traditional construction and offering new possibilities for future spatial usage.
Urban Viewing and Landmark Attributes
Lotus by the Xiangjiang River is strategically positioned to balance urban viewing and landmark attributes. The project had to overcome challenges posed by the riverbank's dense vegetation, obstructing scenic views. Simply elevating the structure to achieve landmark status was not feasible, as it could block sightlines and diminish the commercial value of the surrounding riverside community. Instead, the design features a dynamic approach to spatial adaptation, ensuring the structure meets varying privacy and openness requirements for different activities and events.
The building dynamically adjusts its spatial elevation and transparency through vertical movement and the opening and closing of its outer skin, which opens like lotus petals. This innovative design integrates the architectural structure, landscape interface, and spatial experience, creating a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.
(Photo: Line+ Satudio / CAAI_image – LI YI)
The Collaborative Design Process
The Lotus concept by the Xiangjiang River was developed by Line+ Studio to create an elevated space suitable for viewing and meetings. The building comprises a primary space and movable mechanical devices determined through an industrial design approach. Vertical displacement allows the main space to connect with different floors, facilitating smooth circulation transitions.
The observation hall can ascend from the corridor to the rooftop level for an open display, with the deployable skin unfolding to offer a transparent viewing perspective. Conversely, when the hall descends, the skin contracts, forming a private space. The deployable skin, divided into nine sections, is optimized based on the overlap of 'petals' and the opening angle. This design comprises four outer pieces and five inner pieces, all featuring rounded hexagonal edges and using a transparent ETFE membrane as the main material. The observation hall evolves from a truncated conical base wrapped in double-curved glass.
A complex load-bearing system ensures the stability and dynamic effects of Lotus by the Xiangjiang River. This system integrates a steel structure, glass curtain walls, and MEP components. The main structure features a rigid chassis at the base, with top beams and flat trusses along the perimeter. Columns are integrated with the glass curtain wall mullions, forming a unified column system. Essential components such as firefighting, drainage, and air conditioning are seamlessly incorporated into the column system, with pipes routed through minimal stress points. The roof system accommodates windows, smoke extraction, firefighting, and ventilation.
The dynamic mechanical technology employs a 'hydraulic scissor brace + flexible column' system, ensuring stability, comfort, safety, and maintainability. The deployable skin's dynamic effect is achieved through an intelligent linkage system, allowing for different levels of petal opening based on programmed settings.
Closed State (Photo: Line+ Satudio / CAAI_image – LI YI)
Leveraging New Technologies for Construction
The construction of Lotus by the Xiangjiang River leverages digital modeling, simulation, and smart construction techniques to break traditional architectural limitations. Line+ studio collaborated with RoboticPlus.AI for full-process digital design optimization, intelligent factory component production, and prefabricated construction installation. By integrating Rhino and Revit with RoboticPlus.AI's RoBIM software, the team could simulate model installation for all steel structures, achieving precision refinement and LOD400 accuracy. This process allowed for direct connection to component production factories and intelligent, flexible production, automating CNC production through data exchange with processing equipment.
Virtual construction simulations were used to optimize construction sequences, ensuring project timelines were met. This innovative approach transforms traditional construction into an interactive, dynamic method, revolutionizing the relationship between architects and builders.
Lotus by the Xiangjiang River represents a new era of dynamic architecture, where interdisciplinary technologies and adaptive designs create fluid, interactive spaces. This project serves as a landmark along the Xiang River and sets a precedent for future architectural endeavors. By embracing digital modeling, intelligent construction, and innovative design, Lotus by the Xiangjiang River exemplifies how architecture can evolve to meet the demands of modern urban environments.