five stacks of glass tubes construct arc-shaped pavilion lucida by deep origin lab in china

Deep Origin Lab sets Pavilion Lucida along Suzhou’s waterfront

Deep Origin Lab has completed Pavilion Lucida, a distinctive structure situated along the waterfront in Suzhou Science and Technology Town. The open art space installation design aims to offer a contemporary interpretation of materials and forms, blending into the recreational public environment of the new city while respecting the historical context. The pavilion draws from the boat-style buildings found in Suzhou’s traditional gardens, typically positioned near or facing the water. Its semi-enclosed design allows for inward viewing, while transparency and openness integrate with the surrounding environment. Named Lucida for its brightness and transparency, the pavilion features a terrazzo base that forms seats and plant ponds, with sills on each side, and Wuwang backrests. The glass tube roof, extending to eye level, serves as an architectural element shaping the overlapping landscape and framed scenery.

all images by Hao Chen unless stated otherwise

arc-shaped plan enhances the representation of riding in a boat

Inside, viewers can experience continuously changing lights and shadows through the optical bending curtain and gaps between the glazing. Pavilion Lucida, conceived by Qinrong Liu, utilizes a structurally exposed post and lintel system, pushing columns to the side to increase the clearance of the central axis space. The curtain wall formed by the hanging roof creates a unique sequence of inward observation and reflection in the relatively mundane plain surrounding urban scape. Five stacks of glass tubes form a traditional bracket image, echoing architectural elements seen in conventional dwellings in the Gusu region. The entrance of Pavilion Lucida is notably open, emphasizing a connection to the large tree within the site. The arc-shaped feature at the end enhances the representation of the overall experience of riding in a boat. The design integrates ecological considerations and responds to the vision of community participation in the future, contributing a unique landmark to Suzhou’s waterfront.

Pavilion Lucida, by Deep Origin Lab, stands as a distinctive structure along Suzhou’s waterfront

the open art installation offers a contemporary interpretation of materials and forms | image by Dong Image

its semi-enclosed structure allows for inward viewing, providing transparency and openness

the vertical shape of the glass tube creates a volumetric gabled roof, reminiscent of a crystal chandelier

the pavilion employs an exposed post and lintel system, with columns on the side for increased central axis space

the arc-shaped feature at the end enhances the representation of the overall experience of riding in a boat

the design responds to the vision of community participation and offers a unique landmark to Suzhou’s waterfront

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front view - study model | image by © Qinrong Liu

study model overview | image by © Qinrong Liu

roof design - study model | image by © Qinrong Liu

detail - study model | image by © Qinrong Liu

resting space - study model | image by © Qinrong Liu

site plan

roof plan

plan

section

south facade

west facade

axonometric section

construction detail

prototype-diagram comparison

project info:

name: Pavilion Lucida
architect: Deep Origin Lab

lead architect: Qinrong Liu

design team: Qinrong Liu, Lu Yao, Chaocai Xu

engineering: Guangzhou Ruihua Architectural Design Co., Ltd., Shanghai Biaoding Hejia Technology Co., Ltd.

landscape: Youxiansheji

client: Suzhou Science and Technology City Kexin Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd.

area: 15 sqm

location: Su Zhou Shi, China

photography: Hao Chen | @chenhao.etsam – Dong Image – Qinrong Liu

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom