Aedas has recently announced the design of the new Xiangyang Overseas Chinese Town Cultural & Tourism Development Area Joy Town. The design combines the cultural elements of Xiangyang’s ancient piers and historical importance as a transportation hub to create an immersive space with unique dining and lifestyle experiences.
On the building facade, the design subversively combines traditional and contemporary building materials to create visual contrast. A dramatic appeal is realized through the use of interception, juxtaposition and collage, creating a juxtaposition between the established tradition and its contemporary counterpart.
Inspired by the silhouette of Xiangyang’s traditional sloping houses, the formation of sloping frames are incorporating into the building’s facade and function as the entrance to retail stores, commercial displays and terraces. The sloping frames create a visual sense of uncanny unfamiliarity and allow visitors to interact with the unique forms on the facade.
The development is designed to model the scale of traditional streets and alleyways and integrates into the commercial pedestrian street to cultivate an engaging experience. The design draws inspiration from the city’s ancient piers and historical importance as a transportation hub through filling the waterscape with boats to integrate the waterfront with the buildings and the streets. The water view captures Xiangyang’s affinity with the water while also providing a scenic experience.
