Wutopia Lab Conjures ‘Three Mountains and A Sea’ in Hainan

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Wutopia Lab Conjures 'Three Mountains and A Sea' in Hainan

As someone who’s spent countless hours wandering through the labyrinthine corridors of architectural marvels, I must say that Wutopia Lab‘s ‘Flickering Peak’ has left me utterly spellbound. This isn’t just a building; it’s a symphony of light and space, a testament to the power of history and modernity dancing in harmony.

Wutopia Lab’s ‘Flickering Peak’ is a delightful blend of light and spatial design, skillfully executed in Coffee Village, Hainan. This architectural masterpiece transforms the Sun River Art Center into ‘three mountains and a sea’, inspired by a traditional Taoist tale. The primary and secondary buildings of the art center, covered in a semi-transparent white exterior, resemble three distant peaks. Nestled at the core of the island, an artificial bay embraces the art center’s entrance to fulfill the longing for a scenic ocean view.

The project is a blend of historical significance and contemporary architectural design, offering a culturally significant location. Previously known as Coffee Village, this area was once the site of a plantation founded by Chinese workers returning from Indonesia. Over time, the land’s story of hardship and displacement evolved into a symbol of hope for a thriving future, providing inspiration for Wutopia Lab.

At ‘Flickering Peak’, the partially see-through casings have settled into soothing shapes. The team aimed to develop a unique visual dialect by blending organic features with pre-existing architectural constraints, all while embracing the rich environment and maintaining the original base of the structure. Instead of conventional perforated metal, the building’s sturdy Ferrari panels provide structural integrity.

The combination of natural and architectural elements forms an interplay of space and light. The name borrows from the varying levels of transparency on the buildings’ exterior, which create a flickering effect under the sun. By day, the light against the building reflects a sense of softness and sanctity. By night, vibrant colors emanate from the heart of the art center. Taking cues from the old and new, strong and subtle, dynamic and still, ‘Flickering Peak’ mirrors the spirit of miracles and hope from its local community.

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2024-08-22 00:26