AZL architects: xixi artist clubhouse, china

AZL architects: xixi clubhouse, china image © yao li all images courtesy of AZL architects

nanjing-based architect and principal of AZL architects, zhang lei has just shared his realized vision for a village-like cluster of artist’s studios in the xixi wetlands of central hangzhou. the 1800 year old park and only one of its kind in china, is replete with a rich culture of creative production, having been the original home of the chinese south opera and still host of the annual dragon boat contest. the y-shaped concrete modules meet the distinct, water-filled ecosystem of the area, while inviting panoramic views of the distinct landscape. translucent PVC panels provide cladding as well as diffused sunlight into interior spaces. to counter the cubic geometry that so characterizes the 800 square meter spaces, interiors are inserted with a sinuous fiberglass volume that lend dynamism to interior floor, celings and walls and additionally articulate the various programs in each structure. six by six or three by three meter frameless openings make for the creative village to become lantern-like markers on the wild wetland horizon.

two typologies of y-shaped modules dot the wetlands image © yao li

southwestern view of the studio aglow at night image © yao li

large openings at each end-face of the structures invite the ancient wetlands inimage © yao li

the clubhouses are connected by paths image © yao li

fiberladd insertions create circulation image © yao li

view of the wetlands from behind the translucent opening image © yao li

the crisp forms confront the marshy landscape image © yao li

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project info:

location: hangzhou, zhejiang province, chinaarchitect in charge: zhang leiproject team: zhang lei, qi wei, zhong guanqiu, zhang guangwei, guo donghai collaborator: architectural design institute, zjiuproject area: 4000 sqm