The Umbrella Pavilion isn’t your typical university building. Imagine a vibrant open space buzzing with exhibitions and conversation, where nature seamlessly blends with education. Inspired by “triangular modules,” the designers created a captivating solution: a hexagonal umbrella structure formed by equilateral triangles supported by vertical columns. This ingenious design respects the existing landscape while creating a visually striking landmark. But the Umbrella Pavilion is more than just aesthetics. It fosters a dynamic learning environment with its open space, perfect for exhibitions and collaboration. This reconnection with nature creates a refreshing and inspiring atmosphere for students, faculty, and residents nearby alike. The project also pushes the boundaries of design with digital fabrication procedures. The Umbrella Pavilion isn’t just a space; it’s a testament to the power of design to reconnect education and nature.
Preserving a Pocket Eco-Sanctuary
Where once there was only impermeable pavement contributing to urban heat and runoff issues, a vibrant ecosystem now thrives here. The Umbrella Pavilion project embodies the core value of design on land– a deep respect for the existing environment and a commitment to fostering ecological health and sociability. Unlike conventional projects, the design team achieved this goal without planting a single tree or flower. Instead, they meticulously preserved all existing poplar trees and ginkgo trees on site, transforming them into the defining features of the pavilion itself. This strategy showcases the design ideation; the trees become not just passive elements, but the soul of space, fostering biodiversity and creating a habitat for diverse wildlife. Sunlight filtering through the tree canopy paints the space with dappled light, creating a tranquil and inspiring environment that fosters a deep connection with nature.
A Multifaceted Approach to Urban Sustainability
Inspired by the existing 19 trees and 8 pipe wells on the site, the structure takes the form of hexagonal umbrellas. This ingenious design features a network of equilateral triangles supported by vertical columns, not only creating a visually interconnected landmark but also respecting the bio habits. The trees penetrating the roof frame indicates a gesture harmonizing the challenges of high-density urbanity. The elevated wooden floor, replacing the former impervious surface, now allows rainwater to infiltrate the ground, replenishing vital groundwater reserves and mitigating stormwater runoff. The saved trees also act as a natural noise barrier, reducing noise pollution within the pavilion and surrounding buildings. Additionally, these mature trees serve as vital carbon sinks, capturing and storing carbon dioxide, a significant contributor to climate change.
A Vibrant Hub for Community
The Umbrella Pavilion has become a vibrant destination for the university and the surrounding community. Students, faculty, and residents alike gather in this redesigned environment, drawn to its unique blend of nature and human connection. The space pulsates with walking, hosting classes, exhibitions, taichi, and informal gatherings. This testament to the power of landscape architecture in fostering community vibrancy showcases our role in cultivating spaces that nurture both human interaction and ecological health.
A Model that Design and Community Flourish from Neglected Spaces
The Umbrella Pavilion provides a new model for how landscape architecture can reclaim neglected spaces and create flourishing urban ecosystems that benefit both people and the planet. It’s a powerful example of how “elegant design with minimal intervention” can create cherished community destinations, fostering a love for nature within the heart of the city. The Umbrella Pavilion serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even within the confines of dense urban environments, a thriving connection with nature and a vibrant community space can co-exist. This project stands as a testament to the values of landscape architects – a commitment to stewardship, a passion for design interest, and a dedication to fostering spaces that enhance human well-being while respecting the natural world.
The Umbrella Pavilion
Designer Name: Beijing Jiaotong University Benzhi Studio – Zhongzhong Zeng, Bo Zhang(OSU), Yongquan Chen, Xinran Zheng, Jiaxing Li, Cheryl Mihalko(OSU)
Collaborators: None
Photographer: Zhong Zengzeng
Illustrator: Jiaxing Li