In this article, we continue our series on Competitions.archi, presenting a collection of articles on different architectural competitions. Today, we will be featuring the winner of the Data Landscape Competition – an article from Architecture Competitions Yearbook 2023.
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We are three young architects from China who met at the Brunswick University of Technology in Germany. After graduation, we collectively chose Hamburg, this inclusive and progressive port city, as the new starting point for our professional development.
We have been following closely and participating in architectural design competitions worldwide and have won numerous international awards. In these challenging projects, we not only propose designs that combine functionality and aesthetics, but also provide targeted responses to various locations, cultures, and religions. Moreover, engaging in architectural competitions has enriched our thinking about architecture and gradually shaped our own architectural philosophy.
Context
The DATA LANDSCAPE competition seeks a creative transformation of a historical heritage site, which aligns perfectly with our architectural philosophy – an exploration of architecture rooted in history and context.
The project is situated in a former NATO military base in northern Italy. Over time, this communication station became obsolete due to the easing of international tensions, leaving behind only a sturdy on the ground building and two vegetated underground shelters. The exposed concrete exudes a sense of austere decay, but the surrounding mountains convey a feeling of peace and tranquility.
Now, a modern data center will emerge on this Cold War military legacy, seamlessly blending with the natural landscape.
Conceptualization
In the initial phase, the conceptualization of the design was entirely open-ended. Based on the theme of “Landscape”, we explored various forms and consistently integrated the concept of “sustainability” into our design considerations.
The “Dome” concept: We proposed using a simple geometric form – the “dome” – in response to the hilly terrain where the project is located. Through different architectural techniques, we envisioned exploring the morphological possibilities of the “dome.” Additionally, taking into account the continental climate of northern Italy, characterized by distinct seasons with cold and snowy winters, we imagined harnessing the heat generated by the data center to create a perennial oasis beneath the “dome.”
The “Tower” concept: In this approach, the existing building is divided into two parts, one above ground and others below ground, each undergoing transformation. The on the ground portion grows upward to form a “tower,” becoming a prominent landmark within the area. Meanwhile, the two underground buildings are connected through a new courtyard. The tower houses the data center, and we utilize the “stack effect” to dissipate the substantial heat generated by the data center.
The “Ring” concept: The three existing buildings, originally independent due to military requirements, lack connection. To address this, we propose using a strong centripetal circular form to create a spiritual focal point for the architectural ensemble. Simultaneously, the circle serves as a physical boundary, separating the secure area required for the data center from the surrounding public spaces.
The “Settlement” concept: Taking the three existing structures as the foundation, new buildings are created by replicating and combining their volumes to form an architectural cluster. The new buildings grow outward, infusing the old structures with renewed vitality, and the enclosed spaces formed between different volumes exhibit diverse spatial attributes. Meanwhile, considering the security requirements of the data center, it is positioned at the very center of the entire architectural settlement.
In addition to the initial proposals mentioned above, we explored numerous other directions based on different emphases. Our design methodology involves comparing, categorizing, and extensively debating multiple proposals. At times, to avoid getting lost in intricate details and specific techniques, we rely on the collective strength of the team to infuse the design with a sense of rationality. Through this iterative process of discussion and evaluation, our understanding of the project deepens.
Concept Advance
Combining our previous research, we believe that excessive new volumes could potentially diminish or even disrupt the existing sense of place in the area. We also recognize that exaggerated landmark effects – such as the “Dome” and “Tower” – may not seamlessly integrate with the current surroundings.
We ultimately shifted our focus back to the existing buildings. The three structures are entirely preserved and used as a core, expanding outward to create new spaces. After analyzing the project brief, we defined the three buildings as follows: the data center, logistics office, and community center.
Like the “Trisolaris” in the science fiction novel “The Three-Body Problem”, the expanded three main buildings are interdependent, and none can be omitted. They collectively revolve around the central plaza, fostering an architectural “dialogue” among them.
Initially, we considered the characteristics of military facilities, which allowed for functions that required high security or had no specific requirements for natural lighting, such as the data center and MEP. Other functional spaces were then placed outside the thick concrete walls. However, this approach was limited by the issue of floor area, and utilizing “dark spaces” in this way did not maximize the showcase of the historical building’s unique spiritual value.
Therefore, in the final proposal, we decided to remove the roofs of the military buildings to reveal their interior spaces. By incorporating various forms of stairs and ramps, we establish connections with context, transforming the once dim and enclosed interiors into open courtyards. The thick concrete walls continue to serve as the primary supporting structure and become an integral part of the new buildings. At the same time, the new roofs maintain the existing relationship between the buildings and the natural environment: a community center on the ground, while the data center, offices and accommodations are covered with vegetation.
The data center, due to security considerations, is positioned underground, while the associated offices and accommodations are located at a semi-basement level, whose openings on the grass slope side not only fulfill the necessary daylight requirements but also create an open indoor space that brings residents closer to nature. On the other hand, the community center, designed for openness, is situated on the ground. and the horizontal roof and glass curtain wall surrounding the original structure endow the building with a very high degree of public characteristic.
From the grassland to the stone-covered roof, and to the solid concrete structure, different spaces are subtly transitioned here to maintain the most natural spatial environment with minimal intervention.
We have consistently been attentive to and engaged in various international architectural design competitions, garnering multiple international awards. In these challenging projects, our objective extends beyond proposing designs that combine functionality and aesthetics; we also strive to provide tailored responses to diverse locations, cultures, and religious considerations. Furthermore, our participation in competitions has enhanced our contemplation of architectural designs, gradually shaping our distinct architectural philosophy.
As mentioned earlier, each competition enriches our perspectives and broadens our horizons. Compared to our routine work, these platforms enable us to directly confront prevailing societal issues, grasp design priorities, and transcend conventional design paradigms, all of which contribute to our success in securing awards.
A successful design strikes a balance between excessive conformity and undue individualism. Architecture must genuinely engage with its surroundings to unveil its intricate nature. Competitions serve as invaluable platforms for contemplation, allowing us to shed distractions and focus on the essence of local architectural expression. From the narratives interwoven into materials, history, and the site, clarity emerges within the design as it bonds with these elements. Stronger connections lead to more distinct architectural features. We distill these connections into an architectural language until we arrive at the most suitable solution for the project.
This process often holds greater depth than formal design, aligning with rationale and logic, thus rendering it more profound and meaningful.
We are honored to have won the first prize in this competition. Looking back at the entire design process, beyond the final outcome, we have also learned how to collaborate effectively. In practical projects, architects cannot complete the entire project independently. Through effective communication and collaboration, we can achieve more valuable outcomes, and this has been one of the crucial factors contributing to the success of our proposal.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the organizing committee of the Young Architects Competitions, the sponsors Manni Group, BASF, and others for hosting this competition. We are thankful for the recognition given to our proposal by the judging panel, and we also extend our heartfelt appreciation to competitions.archi for interviewing us. We are truly grateful for the support and encouragement we have received from everyone. We hope that every individual passionate about architecture can find fulfillment and success in this industry.
Author: Guisong Zhang, Dian Luo, Xiang Liuand from Germany
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If you would like to ready more case studies like the one above please check our annual publication
Architecture Competitions Yearbook
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