Perched atop Maluan Mountain in Shenzhen, the Yunhai Forest Service Station is a testament to innovative design and harmonious integration with nature. Designed by Chinese architecture firm Line+ Studio, this curvaceous structure boasts large steps and open-air terraces that wind around its exterior. It offers breathtaking landscape views, a nearby seaport, and the bustling city below.
Unveiling the Unique Atmosphere
Line+ Studio capitalized on the station's unique location to craft a design that captures the essence of its surroundings. Emphasizing functionality and identity, the studio aimed to create a popular spot for citizens while contributing to the development of Banshan Park. The result is a truly immersive experience that blurs the lines between architecture and nature.
An Experiential Journey
The 1,390-square-meter center, constructed from ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), features multilevel platforms interconnected by a Z-shaped path that gently ascends between three floors. Serving as a "citizen check-in point," the station offers ground-floor restrooms, a café, meeting and reception rooms, and a bookshop on the upper floors. The seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitated by floor-to-ceiling glass openings and terrazzo-tiled terraces, invites visitors to engage with the surrounding landscape.
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Integration of Nature and Urban Landscapes
Line+ Studio masterfully blends nature and urban elements, transforming the architectural space into an experiential journey. By activating public visibility and integrating into social activities, the station becomes more than just a building- it becomes a vibrant hub for community engagement. White concrete, glass, and steel exterior seamlessly transition to the interior, characterized by large white structural columns and stainless-steel walls.
Innovative Design Elements
The interior design features a central staircase with contrasting stainless steel, leading visitors to the top-floor bookshop. A matching stainless steel book shelving unit anchors the space, adding a touch of elegance to the minimalist aesthetic. Stainless steel cladding is also utilized in the ground floor restrooms, complementing a full-height metal installation.
Embracing Sustainability and Community
In addition to its architectural splendor, the Yunhai Forest Service Station incorporates sustainable features and provides ample outdoor space for communal or private events. This ground-level open green space enhances the station's role as a gathering place, fostering a sense of community and connection with nature.
The Legacy of Line+ Studio
Formerly known as Gad Line+ Studio, Line+ Studio is an architecture firm based in Hangzhou, China, founded by Meng Fanhao and Zhu Peidong. Their innovative approach to design and commitment to creating spaces that enrich the lives of citizens is evident in the Yunhai Forest Service Station, which stands as a beacon of architectural excellence in Shenzhen's skyline.
In summary, the Yunhai Forest Service Station harmoniously represents architectural innovation and its sustainability as a responsible product of community engagement. Its breathtaking design and immersive experience are concrete evidence of the vision of Line+ Studio and the commitment of Shenzhen to pursuing the limits of modern architecture.
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