

HHD_FUN connects qingdao’s expo site with heavenly water service center

image © duocai photograph

completed by beijing-based studio HHD_FUN, the ‘heavenly water service center’ forms one of two large complexes designed for the 2014 international horticultural exposition in qingdao. as the primary architecture of the expo area, the buildings contain multiple functions including various activity centers, restaurants, exhibition spaces and recreational landscaping. both schemes are positioned on the same central axis as the site’s expo theme pavilion – a building designed by dutch firm UNStudio.



the service center is positioned on the same central axis as the site’s expo theme pavilion

image © zhenfei wang

as the project is located in an area of significant natural beauty, the design team sought to ensure that the building remained integrated with the region’s existing terrain. in order to deal with the large quantities of people visiting the site each day the design allows visitors approaching from all directions to reach the service center area as quickly and as easily as possible.



buildings contain functions including restaurants, exhibition space and recreational landscaping

image © zhenfei wang

each structure is split between two storeys, with accessible roof terraces aligned with the adjacent street level. the main restaurants on the first and second floors are oriented towards the lakes, while auxiliary functions are situated under the rooftop platform for ease of access.



accessible roof terraces are aligned with the adjacent street level

image © duocai photograph



an aerial view of the rooftop landscaping

image © duocai photograph



image © zhenfei wang



floor-to-ceiling glazing flood interior volumes with natural light

image © zhenfei wang



the design allows visitors from all directions to quickly reach the service center area

image © zhenfei wang



riverfront landscaping

image © zhenfei wang



image © zhenfei wang



the service center illuminated at dusk

image © zhenfei wang





site plan

floor plans

section

section full article here

project info:

project name: heavenly water service center of international horticultural exposition 2014

location: qingdao, china

project dates: 2011-2014

architecture: HHD_FUN

landscape designer: HHD_FUN

LDI: BDG qingdao beiyang architectural design co., ltd

site area: 23,000 sqm

floor area: 6,539 sqm

photography: zhenfei wang, duocai photograph (aerial views)