Architectural design practice Studio Zhu-Peo draws inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture when it was creating the Zibo OCT Art Center located in the eastern province of Shandong. The building is complete with concrete roofs and is framed by stone walls. It is in a semi-rural area that is just outside the city of Zibo and it is informed by the local materials and architectural influence, which can be seen in the 'siheyuan,' known as the courtyard house.
The practice notes that "The porous, ring-shaped building with a huge roof overhang is related to the local culture and responds to the specific climate. It is a sponge-like building that can accommodate many people and create a lot of shadow, achieving shading and shelter from the rain."
Image Credit: Studio Zhu-Pei
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Wave-like Structural Design
- Opportunity for architects to incorporate unique and innovative structural design inspired by local cultures and climates.
- Use of Local Building Materials
- Opportunity for construction companies to reduce costs and ecological impact by utilizing locally-sourced building materials.
- Porous and Ring-shaped Architecture
- Opportunity for designers to create buildings that accommodate large numbers of people and offer shading and shelter from the elements.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- The Zibo OCT Art Center presents an opportunity for architects to draw inspiration from local architecture and design buildings that are informed by the materials and cultures of the area.
- Construction
- There is a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials and practices which can be informed by the use of locally-sourced materials and traditional building techniques.
- Tourism and Hospitality
- The unique design of the Zibo OCT Art Center can be leveraged to attract travelers looking for unique cultural experiences and architecture.
