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The overhanging Chinese gable roof supported by the white gable wall is a traditional residential form-type in the southern Yangtze River Delta. On the ground floor, we extracted the structural form of Y-shaped columns from the geometry of the gable wall to support the upside-down triangular truss roof. 6 linear units are connected parallel to form the roof covering the ground floor market, echoing the ancient town settlements. The art gallery on the first floor is a column-free space. Inspired by traditional lantern craft of Xitang, the cross-bearing structure supports the big roof which spans 30 meters with a width of 20 meters.
The Xitang East Area is the eastward expansion of the thousand-year-old town of Xitang. Facing the river to the west and south sides to overlook the old town, Xitang Naera Art Gallery is a landmark that houses a mixed function of market and art gallery. The overhanging Chinese gable roof supported by the white gable wall is a traditional residential form-type in the southern Yangtze River Delta. We extracted the structural form of Y-shaped columns from the geometry of the gable wall. 6 linear units are connected parallel to form the roof covering the ground floor market, echoing the ancient town settlements.
The overhanging Chinese gable roof supported by the white gable wall is a traditional residential form-type in the southern Yangtze River Delta. We extracted the structural form of Y-shaped columns from the geometry of the gable wall to support the upside-down triangular truss roof, forming a linear unit with a width of 6.3 meters and a length of nearly 52 meters. A continuous undulating indoor space is formed under the truss, and the space inside the truss is used to install MEP equipment. 6 linear units are connected parallel to form the roof covering the ground floor market, echoing the ancient town settlements. The freely distributed Y-shaped columns ensure open and flowing space for the market, making flexible space possible for diversified functions. The art gallery sits on the market is a column-free space. Inspired by traditional lantern craft of Xitang, the cross-bearing structure supports the big roof which spans 30 meters with a width of 20 meters. 92 short glulam beams cross and bear with each other to form the slightly arched roof. The outward folded floor-to-ceiling curtain wall is made of half-glazed glass with gradual fogging, and an adjustable membrane is set under the diamond-shaped skylight on the roof to offer the art gallery soft natural light during daytime, while the warm light can be shed at night, making it a glamorous "super lantern" in the east district of Xitang.
Scenic Architecture office did a fantastic job. Here, they utilized the right form-type to meet the needs of function and establish its landmark while complying with the requirements of townscape.
Scenic Architecture Office was founded in Shanghai in 2004. In any project undertaken, they start from the needs of body-mind, nature and society, and try to establish a balanced and dynamic relationship between these aspects through architectural ontology to carve a new identity for contemporary architecture niched between Chinese tradition and the future. Scenic Architecture Office’s works have earned awards like Architizer A+ Award, Archdaily Annual China Architecture Award, WAACA Award, Far Eastern Architectural Design Award, etc. Their works have also been invited to partake in various exhibitions, including the Solo show “Translated Traditions – Public Courtyards and Urban Platforms” held by Berlin Aedes Architecture Forum, Venice Architecture Biennale, Milano Triennial, and exhibitions held by London Victoria and Albert museum, MAK, NAI, etc. In 2022, the office had its first monograph “Rebirth of form-type” published by Images Publishing Group worldwide.
