In the tranquil countryside beyond Eryuan Botou Village in Yunnan, China, LIN Architecture has breathed new life into a once humble pumping station, creating the captivating Concrete Pavilion. Originally an essential landmark for the local community's water and electricity needs, the pavilion now stands as a contemporary observatory, seamlessly blending historical significance with modern architectural innovation.
Honoring Heritage Through Design
The architects at LIN Architecture embarked on a journey to honor the multifaceted history of the pump house. The Concrete Pavilion is a testament to the seamless integration of cultural elements extracted from its surroundings. The angular design of the structure, adorned with sloping roofs, shadow walls, and diverse windows, engages in a harmonious dialogue with the undulating landscapes of mountains and expansive rice paddies.
Internally, the space deliberately unfolds around a central staircase, creating distinct observation experiences. Suspended platforms, sloping sidewalls, half-arched ceilings, low-side windows, and skylights with narrow openings provide a variety of perspectives, maintaining a strong connection to the area's heritage. The intentional division of space invites visitors to explore the observatory with a nod to the picturesque countryside.
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Functionality and Environmental Interaction
The choice of materials, including steel and concrete, was not arbitrary; it was a thoughtful consideration of functionality and the building's interaction with the environment. The deliberate use of these materials allows the building to transform with the weather, acting as a canvas for natural elements. LIN Architecture describes the building's façade as a paintbrush in the field, where thick clouds, radiant sunlight, and rain contribute to an ever-changing external appearance.
"Acts of nature add gestures to the skin of the building, making the façade a paintbrush in the field," notes the architectural team. On sunny days, the texture of the building's skin becomes visible in the radiant sunlight, while rain transforms it into a canvas for the sky, creating a dynamic interplay between the structure and the elements.
LIN Architecture's Concrete Pavilion is more than just a static structure; it is a dynamic guide for villagers navigating their daily routines. "Whether setting out for the fields early in the morning or returning with the hoe in the evening, the stylized shape is a static guide," states the team. The exterior maintains consistency, offering different states for villagers to interpret as they go about their daily activities.
As described by the team, the extreme abstraction of cultural elements results in a unique architectural composition. Elements like shadow walls with odd proportions, suspended platforms, broken staircases, and skylights with a single slit create an unconventional yet compelling structure. The intentional disruption of traditional architectural elements contributes to a building that stands out in its rural setting, offering fresh air to the local landscape.
LIN Architecture's transformation of a former pumping station into the Concrete Pavilion Observatory showcases the potential of architectural innovation to celebrate history and elevate the everyday. The pavilion symbolizes harmonious coexistence between the past and the present by seamlessly integrating cultural elements, embracing the surrounding landscape, and allowing nature to influence its appearance. The village of Botou now boasts a functional facility and a captivating work of art that enriches the lives of its inhabitants.
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