The Chaohu Natural and Cultural Center is a pivotal public facility created by OCT Group for Chaohu Bantang Hot Spring Town. Situated at the base of the Juzhang Mountain, which extends for kilometers from the northeast to the southwest on the north side of the city, this building is envisioned as an iconic structure that seamlessly emerges from the intersection of the local natural surroundings and urban living, showcasing both cultural traditions and a glimpse into the future lifestyle.
© Qingshan Wu
Chaohu Natural and Cultural Center’s Design Concept
The master plan and elevations of the Chaohu Natural and Cultural Center draw inspiration from the external contours of the mountain and the surrounding terrain. As we delve into the design of this individual building block, architects embark on a captivating and imaginative journey, envisioning it as a geological formation influenced by the meandering motion of a subterranean worm. This worm-like path, sculpted by burrowing, defines the boundary between the interior and exterior of the structure. © Qingshan Wu
Within the curves and morphological shape of the building lies a symbolic representation of the existing mountain. The steel structure, with its visible flexure throughout the entire building, subtly conveys the majestic forces of the Earth. The Chaohu Natural and Cultural Center appears to be thrust upward from the Earth’s depths by natural forces beneath the crust, abstractly manifesting a three-dimensi...