Chinese architecture studio MAD has completed the Cloudscape of Haikou, a sinuous library and waystation that is cast in seamless white concrete on the coast of the Chinese island of Hainan.
The 1,000-square-metre structure, formerly known as Wormhole Library, is the first of sixteen pavilions being constructed in Century Park as part of a wider rejuvenation project of Haikou Bay.
MAD has completed the Cloudscape of Haikou. Photo is by CreatAR Images
Cloudscape of Haikou is distinguished by its amorphous, flowing form, in which the building's interior and exterior are cast as one vessel, without any right angles.
It is punctuated by large curved cut-outs that frame views of the sea, sky and land and allow natural light and air to enter, immersing visitors in nature and the coastal landscape. It is located in a park on the coast of Hainan. Photo is by AOGVISION
"Spirituality is the core value of architecture," said Ma Yansong, founder of MAD. "It contributes to the humanistic atmosphere of a city," he explained.
"We want the building to be an urban space that people would like to make part of their daily lives. Architecture, art, humanity and nature meet here, and they will open up a journey of visitors' imaginations to explore and appreciate the meaning that different beauty brings to their lives."
The building has a continuous concrete form
The form of the building was achieved using a precise CNC-cut and 3D-printed formwork and double-layered...