Lotus Flower hotel,
Lingang New Town, China
2007-
Architects: Atkins
"Lotus flower" hotel wins international design competition
Design and engineering consultancy Atkins has won an international competition
to design a five-star resort hotel in China. The stunning 350-bed hotel,
which will form the centrepiece of Lingang New Town, near Shanghai, will
be on an island in a circular lake.
Atkins’ design concept was a response to the Lingang new town masterplan,
which has created a perfectly circular 500 hectare lake as its centrepiece.
The hotel is being developed by Shanghai Harbour City Group and will be
one of the first buildings to be constructed in the new town area.
"The client's brief called for a striking landmark, but limited the
height to only 15 metres,” says project manager Shen Yufeng. “Our
winning design adopted the image of a natural form, such as a lotus flower,
that could be thought of as an object floating in the lake."
Although Atkins' design is very dramatic, it also achieves a very functional
hotel layout. The central drum, containing the reception and lobby, connects
the five 'leaves', containing either hotel rooms, restaurant spaces or
meeting rooms.
Shen adds: “The 'leaves' reach out into the landscape, allowing unblocked
views of the lake or gardens from every room. The inner space of each
'leaf' is designed as an atrium space allowing natural light and ventilation
into the heart of the public spaces.”
Atkins’ design accommodates service and kitchen spaces within a low
wing that connects the conference and dining 'leaves'. The majority of
back of house and car parking is contained at basement level, while a
further independent block, designed in a similar style, accommodates a
clubhouse for a small marina. Children's playgrounds, a karting track
plus recreational and landscape areas will create a complete resort island
environment.
Sustainable aspects are considered in terms of the building's ventilation,
lighting and building management systems. For instance, each of the
'leaves' of the hotel is designed as a themed garden that
will allow partial natural ventilation and lighting of the open corridor
areas. Green roofing covers most of the buildings' flat roof areas, reducing
energy loss and connecting the design more thoroughly with the landscape.
The external materials will be natural finishes in keeping with the landscape
setting. Walls will be clad in timber with deep recessed balconies. The
roof will be zinc, creating a gently curving, glittering profile when
seen from afar.
Design development work is now under way in Atkins' Shanghai office, with
construction is due to start this month.
Lotus Flower Hotel, China: building images / information from Atkins,
Architects, 211108
Lotus Flower hotel,
Shanghai : Atkins
Hong
Kong and Shanghai Bank
Hong Kong
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Atkins Chinese
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Lotus Flower Hotel, China
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