CHONGQING EXPRESS

Spring 2013

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Advisor: Olivier Ottevaere

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PROJECT STATEMENT

Chongqing presents a unique link between the mountains and the river by natural and artificial landscapes. Be it traditional hiking trails or modern highways for cars and the metro, the modern Chongqing is visually dynamic and fragmented.

By providing the occupants specific and unique views between two distinct natural features, the mountain and the river a thin unit space is designed to interweave along the steep site along the river. Programmatically, the haptic formal curvature and concrete textures of the project dynamically strike conversations between opposing views, far and near, dwelled by migratory workers from different communities.


FORM

The design aims to define a relationship between the planar and volumetric layout of structure and form within a scenic and sloped context. The structure is inspired by last semester, with curved or corrugated layout to provide extra strength for increased height, while the units are affected by the orientation and dimensions of the structure.


GROUND

A branched network that connects the different neighborhood, while the structure is anchored in the earth-retaining mass between. Features like stairs and platforms are provided for public leisure and connection of views. The divided ground also favors tall and slim volumes to avoid blockage of light and air to other towers.


INFRASTRUCTURE

The infrastructure is huge and high to allow sunlight to flood in and diffuse by the concrete walls and slabs, as well as cross ventilation for the wet and humid atmosphere.
The form reflects the slope and height of mountains with interweaving paths, the curved floor slabs allow the gentle transition of area without affecting the light quality of another volume.