Located in Da-chang Hui Autonomous County, Langfang, Hebei province, the project is supposed by the local government to be an iconic design, introducing Dachang’s particular culture and enhancing the soft power of the city. The national palace is thus endowed with multiple functions, serving not only as the recreation center of the city but the essential cultural site for the introduction of local religion and history as well.
South-west elevation. Image © Yao Li
It has undoubtedly brought lots of challenges to the designer, because of the special ethnic composition, historical context, religious belief, complex functional requirements of the site and the setting of a cultural landmark.
This is a poetic sanctuary that shows people both the brilliant Islamic culture and our vision for a better life. This is also a homelike cultural center that provides a spiritual home for local residents, especially Muslims.
Night view of the arch. Image © Yao Li
Dachang County is a Muslim enclave near Beijing. To revive the Islamic culture and improve the quality of culture life, the local government developed Da Chang Muslim Cultural Center, a cultural complex integrating the functions of theater, exhibition, convention, and community center.
Based on a traditional mosque, the building subtly interprets the spatial structure of mosque with new materials and technologies.
Detailed design. Image © Yao Li
The surrounding arches shrink into elegant curves from the bottom up, while the cambering petal-shaped arches of the reflection in the water look even more vivid and graceful.
The dome sees the translation and abstraction of Islamic symbols rather than simple mimicking. We constitute the dome with petaloid shells and creatively transform the interior space into a semi-exterior roof garden flooded with the sunshine, fresh air, and vegetation.
Photography by © Yao Li
Project Info.
Architects : Architectural Design & Research Institute of Scut
Location : Hebei, China
Year : 2015
Type : Cultural Center
Photographs : Yao Li
