Architectural Precedent 1_Chinese pavilion in Shanghai Expo 2010

Architectural Precedent 1

Project: Chinese pavilion in Shanghai Expo 2010    

Designer: HE JINGTANG 

Location: Shanghai, China

1. Key Concept:

The pavilion is designed in the shape of an oriental crown, showcasing the spirit of traditional Chinese culture. its main structure includes a six-layer, 30-meter high roof made of  56 traditional wooden brackets. the brackets symbolize the nation’s 56 minority ethnic groups. The large area of the national hall uses the atmosphere, the composed "palace red" as the main tone of the building, the colour is dazzling and easy to be understood by the world.

The absolute height of the national pavilion is 63 meters, and the lower height is 33 meters. These central symmetrical Spaces and the flat extension space of the regional pavilion provide sufficient open space for people to communicate freely. This completely open space is huge, providing the possibility of a flexible layout for later use of the building.

2. Selected Design Element:

The design elements chosen are the whole building in order to experience and understand the unique shape and structural form of the church. The most interesting part is the clever combination of traditional Chinese elements with modern architecture. Dougong is a unique component of ancient Chinese architecture. Square wooden blocks called Dou, bow short wood called arch, inclined long wood called Gong, also known as Dougong. Generally placed on the top of the column, it is used to support the load beam frame and pick out the eaves, which is also used for decoration.

The crown shape of the national pavilion embodies the cultural elements of traditional Chinese architecture. At the same time, the traditional curve design is straightened, and the body model with layers of protruding shows the strength and structure beauty of modern engineering technology. This simple decorative line naturally completes the contemporary expression of traditional architecture.

3. How is the Key Concept Reflected in the Design Studio? 

First of all, Dougong is an approach of bearing loads. The way it is connected and the materials it uses can help me better understand the architectural design of small volumes. It can also be used as a base to extend more possibilities as decoration. Considering another aspect of the environment in the design process, I learned that the depth of field would affect the focus of visitors to the building. When observing the Chinese pavilion from a distance, visitors feel the striking red colour, which is the structure itself and they can feel the huge open space get closer.

4. Geometrical Description of the Shape

According to the above plan, the site model is 1:100, and the site is raised 5 meters from the ground plane. Make a base that fits the actual situation. Then use sketch up to determine the dimensions of each column. The red-themed structure was laser-cut (consisting of four columns and beams of different lengths) because it was asymmetrical, so it had to be very precise to ensure the balance of the model. Finally use acrylic to cut Windows and link them to each layer.

5. Proposed Scale, Material, Technique.

Proposed scale: 

1: 100

Material:

Basswood

Acrylic

Technique:

Laser cutting 

Painting

6. Time Commitment, Budget

Time commitment - 1 week 

Laser cut file preparation -5 hrs

Digital model - 10hrs

Laser cutting - 1 hrs

Assembling framework and base- 10 hrs 

Budget - $82

Silver-textured paper - $2

Plywood 5 mm - $20

Plywood 2 mm - $10

Wood sticks - $5

Laser cutting - $15

Cement - $20

Reference 

1. ArchDaily. (2019). China Pavillion for Shanghai World Expo 2010

<https://www.archdaily.com/34037/china-pavillion-for-shanghai-world-expo-2010/> ISSN 0719-8884[Accessed 30 Jun. 2019].

2. Dezeen. (2016). Shanghai Expo 2010 pavilions [online] 

Available at https://www.dezeen.com/2010/04/28/shanghai-expo-2010-pavilions/[Accessed 30 Jun. 2019].