A Reflective Edge

Vanke Co., Ltd, Tianjin Community Center

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Tianjin, China | 31,000 SF

As a bustling port city expands, a community center in tune with its natural surroundings creates a focal point for a new neighborhood.
The community center's new facade and entrance work in harmony with the natural surroundings.

In a region once known for farming and fisheries, a new lifestyle district is taking root north of China’s Bohai Bay. The Tianjin Community Center takes its cues from both the area’s industrial heritage as well as its wetlands, rivers, and tributaries.

Program Space Diagram
View platform

Sited close to the water’s edge, the building—which houses an ecological art museum, music hall, and visitor reception area— almost appears to float.

Glowing exterior gives the illusion of floating on water.

The distinctive, yet low-profile roof canopy captures the reflection of the water below it, and captures the easy rhythm of life in the area. Natural materials with an industrial edge—such as dark gray Mongolian stone and Core-Ten steel— were used on the exterior.

Visitor Welcome Center
Gallery Space

The Core-Ten retaining wall at the entrance transitions to a perforated skin under an expansive entry canopy supported by wishboned beams.

Community Center Entry Canopy
  • Viewing Platform
  • Exterior and interior tap into the serenity of the surrounding environment.
  • Vanke Community Center
  • Landscape Sculpture
  • Viewing Platform Lounge

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