Nature is far less regular than most architecture, but the Tsing Tao Visitor Center in Qingdao, China, manages to replicate the unpredictable, irregular shapes of nature while also incorporating actual flora into its design. The center's roof is shaped like a flowing oval with swooping lines and ripples that make it blend into the hillside on which it sits. Further, the central section of the roof is topped with a grassy garden grown of the same foliage as the surroundings.
The Tsing Tao Visitor's Center was designed by Robert Miller, an architect from Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects. The unique roof shape was achieved through the use of angled wooden trusses that act as supports, pushing the roof up at different heights to achieve the wavy form.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Naturalistic Architecture
- Architecture that melds with nature and mimics natural shapes, incorporating organic materials and plants into the design.
- Eco-friendly Building Materials
- Using locally sourced materials and promoting sustainability in the construction industry to reduce environmental impact.
- Biophilic Design
- Designing spaces that incorporate elements of nature to improve well-being and productivity, including the use of natural light, plants, and water features.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture
- Opportunities for architects to experiment with naturalistic and eco-friendly designs that incorporate sustainable materials and plants.
- Construction
- Promoting and utilizing eco-friendly building materials and incorporating biophilic design principles in construction projects.
- Landscaping and Horticulture
- Incorporating plant life into buildings in the form of green walls, rooftop gardens, and vertical gardens to improve air quality and create a more attractive and sustainable environment.
