Crafting a central architectural hub to accommodate tens of thousands for the upcoming 19th Hangzhou Asian Games in Zhejiang Province was no trivial undertaking. Infusing it with the legacy of a city that flourished as the ancient capital during the Southern Song Dynasty added layers of complexity. Yet, the challenge was met head-on by Dong Yi and his team.
Drawing inspiration from Huang Gongwang’s iconic “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains” painting, a 14th-century artistic treasure showcasing the serene Fuchun River scenery, Dong sought to capture its essence in a modern structure. This painting, stretching a magnificent 690 centimeters, paints a vivid picture of early autumn landscapes, from towering peaks to ethereal clouds.
Dong, an associate professor at Tongji University’s College of Architecture and Urban Planning, collaborated with the c+d Design Center. Their vision was a sprawling 600-meter-long complex that harmonized with Hangzhou’s urban and natural surroundings. As Dong explained, the painting, representing Zhejiang’s iconic landscapes, beautifully transitioned onto the complex’s exterior, echoing the mountains and waters that define the city.
This massive undertaking was all in preparation for the Hangzhou Asian Games in September 2023, a colossal event set to welcome around 30,000 individuals. This includes athletes, officials, technical staff, and media representatives. The Asian Games Village International Zone, a cornerstone of the Games, uniquely melds ancient Chinese artistry with cutting-edge design. Encompassing an impressive 1.13 square kilometers, it hosts several essential areas: administration, culture, sports, and more.
While the team’s inventive design won them the project bid in 2018, they faced challenges. The key was seamlessly blending traditional artistry with contemporary architecture. Their initial choice, celadon, symbolized Hangzhou’s rich porcelain history. However, aiming for a gentler texture reminiscent of jade, symbolic of the local Neolithic Liangzhu Culture, they opted for cyan-green pottery sticks. This material mirrored the painting’s brushstrokes while epitomizing Hangzhou’s heritage.
Incorporating modern technology, Dong and his team used four-unit modules, contrasting colors, and specific angles to replicate the Fuchun Mountains‘ landscape. Inspiration was also derived from another masterpiece, Chen Minglou’s “Imperial City of Southern Song Dynasty.” White metal bricks simulated ancient wall structures, resulting in an avant-garde replica of the past.
In a first for Hangzhou, they even seamlessly integrated a transformer substation, an expansive 67,000 square meters electrical facility, into the complex.
The architectural marvel comprises four interconnected buildings, with amenities such as basketball courts and a soccer pitch. It spans a daunting 600 meters, a design challenge effectively addressed using a “blue-sky” track to unify the entire structure. Dong envisions visitors feeling they’re journeying through an expansive landscape painting while exploring the track.
Beyond serving the Games, this hub will later evolve into a community center, extending its legacy. With over 12,000 athletes from 45 nations and regions set to compete, Hangzhou’s preparations, epitomized by the Asian Games Village, demonstrate a masterful blend of heritage and innovation.
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