Situated in Fuling, China, the Wigu Lake Science and Innovation Town Egret Bay Demonstration Area is undergoing a transformation to revitalize three abandoned buildings. Yueji Architectural Design Office leads this endeavor, aiming to repurpose the structures into vibrant spaces for planning, conferences, offices, and leisure activities, enhancing public engagement and tourism in the area.

Embracing Natural Surroundings

The project is inspired by the pristine natural landscape surrounding Huigu Lake, characterized by verdant mountains and serene waters. The architectural team aims to foster a harmonious dialogue between humans and nature, leveraging the buildings to showcase the innate beauty and power of the environment.

Adaptive Design Strategies

Each of the three buildings presents unique challenges and opportunities for renovation. Building 1, while lacking architectural hierarchy, boasts overall structural integrity, leading to a strategy of reinforcement and renovation. Building 2, a brick-concrete structure with limitations for renovation, undergoes in-situ reconstruction. Building 3, well-preserved with harmonious elevation rhythm, requires minimal intervention to maintain its integrity.

Responding to Nature’s Cues

Key design strategies focus on dissolving architectural boundaries and integrating structures with the natural environment. Building 1 undergoes volume dissolution and boundary softening to create breathing spaces within the structure. Building 2 is transformed into a streamlined form, seamlessly blending with the landscape through height variations and platform extensions.

Harmonious Spatial Experience

The design prioritizes the integration of platforms and pathways, creating an immersive experience that blends with the surrounding mountains and water bodies. A multi-level strolling system is crafted, allowing visitors to appreciate nature and architecture in unison, fostering a sense of organic unity.

Naturalistic Material Selection

Materials are chosen to align with the project’s natural design ethos. Contrasting dark and light tones create visual interest, while openwork walls and wooden grilles enhance the natural aesthetic. The integration of a unified color scheme illuminates the environment, enhancing the overall ambiance.

Fostering Inner Harmony

Ultimately, the project aims to provide a sanctuary where individuals can find solace amidst their busy lives. By immersing themselves in the tranquil environment, experiencing the ebb and flow of water, and admiring the serene landscape, visitors are encouraged to reconnect with nature and find inner balance, embodying the ideal of a life immersed in poetry and tranquility.