In Binhai new area, located on the eastern coast of Tianjin in China, Lacime Architects has completed a large multi-use exhibition area called “Shimao·The Wave”. Combining a program of entertainment, “edutainment”, and culture, the project centers around a wave-inspired art museum, which has been achieved using parametric design and the latest BIM technology.
Located in the heart of the Bohai Economic Rim and close to Tianjin Binhai Aircraft Carrier Theme Park and Binhai Matsu Cultural Park, Lacime Architects has made the most of this expansive site. The entire bay area planning follows the concept of “point, line and plane to create a contemporary urban spatial sequence of man, sea and sky”. The art museum focuses on the theme of water and its form resembles the shape of a wave, creating a dialogue between the building and nature.
The entire exhibition area is designed with three major functional areas: the wave (art museum), an outdoor theater and the public space. Each area is connected with the surrounding beach. The building is separated from the sand dune and reef, looking like a floating space structure above the sea. The junction of the building also comes with three outdoor terraces overlooking the sea. This space lets visitors feel completely relaxed as they enjoy the views and sounds of nature.
An integrated parametric design is used for the skin of the building. The subtle arrangement of the scale-shaped aluminum plate allows the façade to reflect the sunlight from different angles in different periods of time. The pool around the building casts diffuse light onto the scale-shaped façade to produce a gorgeous look. The column-free space of the 30-plus-meter tall building is achieved by the thin shell structure, as it goes upwards to split into three sections that balance the stress in each direction.
BIM technology is applied to the scale-shaped aluminum plate, which enables more than 13 thousand pieces to fit on the façade, delivering a rhythmic upward spiral texture. The real-virtual façade has achieved perfect balance in efficient heat insulation and appropriate daylighting. All electromechanical devices are concealed underground, and the roof and building skin make up an integrated design. With the help of technology, this pure form is realized.
Inside the building, from the ceiling fabric, patterned glass screen to transparent floor-to-ceiling window, they all work to interpret “water” in different states that is the most common element in nature and create a balanced and soft cultural ambience. The first-floor hall is a round space, and light beams begin to stream down from the dark space. The lobby is designed with a mixture of water curtain and stainless steel, which offers a quiet visual-tactile experience. The second-floor illuminating surface is installed with light large glass curtain wall, and the highest glass is up to 8 meters, which helps bring in natural light and sea view and weaken the construction separating indoor and outdoor spaces. Also be sure to check 10 amazing architectural projects of the world.
