like water flows, pathways connect resort settlements by PLAT ASIA in inner mongolia

like water flows, pathways connect resort settlements by PLAT ASIA in inner mongolia

PLAT ASIA UNVEILS MODEL FOR ECOLOGICAL TOURISM IN INNER MONGOLIA

 

Architect Bian Baoyang, leading the team at PLAT ASIA, introduces the Silk-Road Dreamland Steppe Resort as a model for ecological tourism and cultural integration on the Xilamuren Steppe in Baotou, Inner Mongolia. This project centers around the Live-by-Water planning strategy, which draws inspiration from the natural water routes found in the region, linking Swan Lake in the northwest to the Xilamuren River in the southeast. The architectural layout mimics these water flows, creating interconnected settlements across the steppe and a branching circulation system that evokes the traditional relationship between nomadic culture and water. At the heart of the resort, a multi-functional core zone houses a theater, exhibition hall, all-nations fair, commercial hall, and food alley, unified in a single building that serves as a communal hub.

 

In the core area, structures pay homage to the traditional Mongolian Ger, modernized with high-performance PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) membranes that offer insulation, skylights for natural ventilation, and reduced concrete and steel. The team chooses these materials to retain cultural significance while achieving a low-energy, decarbonized approach.

like water flows, pathways connect resort settlements by PLAT ASIA in inner mongolia
all images by Arch-Exist Photography courtesy of PLAT ASIA

 

 

Silk-Road Dreamland Steppe Resort follows natural contours

 

Beijing-based PLAT ASIA emphasizes steppe aesthetics through low-tech design principles and mindful use of materials to promote environmental recovery alongside cultural experiences. A central sunset axis guides views northwestward, anchoring the layout and connecting the south-north visitor center axis to the Live-by-Water strategy, creating a harmonious masterplan.

 

The Following the Wind installation captures the essence of the elements of the steppe. Starting at the visitor center, the installation follows the natural contours of the landscape, marked by white steel columns adorned with blue cloth that shifts with the wind. Representing the Tengri River, this structure visually ties the architecture to the land, extending toward the children’s wonderland and ending at the terrace in the core function zone. It invites visitors to experience the steppe’s natural elements—wind, sky, and grassland—engaging all the senses in an immersive connection to the landscape.

like water flows, pathways connect resort settlements by PLAT ASIA in inner mongolia
Silk-Road Dreamland Steppe Resort aims to become a model for ecological tourism and cultural integration

like water flows, pathways connect resort settlements by PLAT ASIA in inner mongolia
this project centers around the Live-by-Water planning strategy

like water flows, pathways connect resort settlements by PLAT ASIA in inner mongolia
drawing inspiration from the natural water routes found in the region

like water flows, pathways connect resort settlements by PLAT ASIA in inner mongolia
PLAT ASIA emphasizes steppe aesthetics through low-tech design principles

 

water-flows-pathways-resort-settlements-plat-asia-inner-mongolia-designboom-1800-02

a branching circulation system evokes the traditional relationship between nomadic culture and water

like water flows, pathways connect resort settlements by PLAT ASIA in inner mongolia
the architectural layout mimics water flows

like water flows, pathways connect resort settlements by PLAT ASIA in inner mongolia
structures pay homage to the traditional Mongolian Ger

water-flows-pathways-resort-settlements-plat-asia-inner-mongolia-designboom-1800-03

fluorescent lighting shows the way

 

 

1/7
high-performance PTFE membranes offer insulation
high-performance PTFE membranes offer insulation
the installation follows the natural contours of the landscape
the installation follows the natural contours of the landscape
the team chooses these materials to retain cultural significance
the team chooses these materials to retain cultural significance
achieving a low-energy, decarbonized approach
achieving a low-energy, decarbonized approach
creating interconnected settlements across the steppe
creating interconnected settlements across the steppe
engaging all the senses in an immersive connection to the landscape
engaging all the senses in an immersive connection to the landscape
white steel columns adorned with blue cloth that shifts with the wind
white steel columns adorned with blue cloth that shifts with the wind

project info:

 

name: Xilamuren Silk-Road Dreamland Steppe Resort
architect: PLAT ASIA | @platasia

location: Xarmuren Hasar Steppe, Baotou, China 
area: 50,000 sqm
building area: 8,000 sqm 

principal architect: Bian Baoyang
project architect: Nandin
design team: Guo Lulu, Yang Lu, Liu Xinwei, Bi Baihui, Liao Yuanyu
clients: Baotou Jiu Zi Tourism Ltd., Co.
construction design: Shang Run Zhong Yi (Dongying) Design Ltd., Co.
construction contractor: Inner Mongolia Kaituo Construction Ltd., Co.
membrane company: Beijing Jinshengjie membrane Structure Technology Ltd., Co.
lighting company: Beijing Zhanxin Design Studio
photographer: Arch-Exist Photography | @archexist
video: Nandin@PLAT ASIA

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom

KEEP UP WITH OUR DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
suscribe on designboom
- see sample
- see sample
suscribe on designboom

happening today! maison&objet 2025 gears up for an exciting new chapter, unveiling its bold theme ‘sur/reality’ while undergoing a major transformation as it reorganizes its january and september editions.

PRODUCT LIBRARY

a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.

interview: OMA unpacks the renovated design of museo egizio's gallery of the kings in turin Nov 24, 2024
interview: OMA unpacks the renovated design of museo egizio's gallery of the kings in turin
designboom speaks to OMA’s david gianotten, andreas karavanas, and collaborating architect andrea tabocchini, about the redesign of the recently-unveiled gallery.
X
5