The Vanke Future Town pavilion, designed by Continuation Studio at Yunlong Lake in Xuzhou, incorporates not only the spatial features of the exhibition space but also elements of China's traditional bridge architecture design.
The design team drew inspiration from the structural characteristics of historic bridges in China, some of which are no longer standing, and constructed a structure in the interior using a combination of laminated woods of varying lengths. For the main building, small areas for the entrance hall, meeting rooms, and back services are compressed into the eastern wing, providing a single, large open space. This layout is given to the main building and the city center. Meanwhile, the glass facade reduces the architectural volume, making the city visible. In this project, a reference to the Xuezhai Bridge, which was destroyed by flooding, incorporates a bridge structure as a striking element in the large-scale exhibition area, serving as a visible symbol of Vanke’s technical strength and value. This is also reflected on the veranda of the main area.
Laminated woods of different lengths, measuring 600mm x 200mm, are used as the primary components. Additionally, steel tubes supporting the wood horizontally between the upper and lower wood layers of the original bridge structure provide support. This wooden assembly becomes a permanent piece of art, and this exhibition, promoted through art by the artist, is showcased there.
The originality of the structure and the recreation of spatial impressions are repeatedly discussed in the studio as the project progresses. However, the load-bearing structure is not limited to lateral forces. The timber component does not function as the main load-bearing system. Instead, it is supported and suspended by a group of eight steel beams.
