Antiques Research Centre

-Individual work - Director: Zayad Motlib - Location: Suzhou, China - Time: 09.2022-01.2023

The project is located in the old town of Suzhou and requires a research hall. The plot is approximately 13,000 square metres in size. The site is located in the old quarter, opposite a busy commercial street, so the building has to assume a role of integration and transition. The research of the site led to the choice of antiques as the main research proposition. The centre needed to be culturally relevant and at the same time modern and functional. It has a unique shape and becomes a landmark building.I think that integration is the most important point in this design. How to integrate the new with the old, how to reconcile the commercial with the academic, how to integrate the surroundings with the site, these are all topics of the project.

In this project, the traditional timber structure is abstracted from the typical Chinese sloping roof, blending the freeform with the traditional square structure in order to achieve a holistic and functional aesthetic and local character. On this basis, the design as a whole is a semi-enveloping structure that can better attract and welcome people from the surrounding area. The overall massing is large but transparent and not overwhelming.The building is an exploration of the possibilities of future architectural forms, and the project offers its own answer to the question of how to combine tradition and modernity while retaining their respective characteristics.

Problems and expectations

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Ceilings

Façade

The façade is made up of a patchwork of different materials, with the concrete gradually transitioning the shapes from regular platonic geometry to curves that connect to the roof, adding variety and layers. The combination of different materials brings more possibilities to the façade.

North-south section

Two visitor spaces are presented here, one more popular, public and accessible, with varied and interesting spaces, including the underground shopping street. The other part, which is more specialised, can be reached through a flowing route and contains discussion rooms and lecture halls. The two sections are of different heights and are connected by a curved roof, creating a unity.

Function

Under the eaves there are three main centres, two transitional spaces and a semi-outdoor veranda. These spaces are highly functional, with a gradual increase in privacy. The flow is clear and well distributed, from the touring space, which is completely open to the public, to the exhibition centre, which has an educational and informative character, to the exclusive working space for the staff.

East-West Section

This section shows the work area and the tour area, which are connected by the roof, with a small transition space and a semioutdoor corridor in between. The whole shape is very fluid, with a variety of spaces and functions. The work area on the left side is large enough for work and includes an outdoor terrace. The area on the right side gradually increases in privacy from low to high, and gradually changes from a tour area to a lecture hall, with a relatively more regular space.

Light and shadow

An interesting space between the staircase, columns, slabs and atrium for people to stop, rest or explore

Lounge area

The atmosphere and character of the building can be fully felt throughout the space, with a wooden roof, good views and a unique flow of space.

Perspectives

The façade design allows more natural light to enter the interior and people have a better view of the neighbourhood.

Rotating staircase

Surrounding the space according to its characteristics, while ensuring good views and sufficient space

Workspace

Good views and spacious, free office space, separate from visitor spaces for independence and privacy

Entrance

A friendly initial entrance for all