Building On the Water by Álvaro Siza & Carlos Castanheira

Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza has completed work on a large curved office building for the Shihlien Chemical Industrial Jiangsu Co in an industrial park in China’s Jiangsu province. Called The Building on the Water, the structure sits on an island in the middle of a 100,000-square-metre artificial lake at New Salt Industrial Park and is formed in the shape of an elongated 300-metre curve.

The white concrete used to build the structure has been left exposed across the facade to create a uniform appearance that contrasts with the green roofs used on sections of the building.

“In constant interplay with the environment – whether it is the changing hues and reflections of the water, or varying tones of light and shadow, the building manifests a multitude of changing complexions. Whether viewed from land, water or air, the elegant building conveys a quiet beauty achieved when the concrete and substantial comes in contact with the fluid and ethereal,” added the company.

“Mr. Siza has always upheld the design concept of establishing harmony between man and the environment,” said Por-Shih Lin, chairman of Shihlien Chemical. “This building ingeniously blends with the waterscape and plant grounds. As the first project in China by Álvaro Siza, it will be an inspiration for future industrial plant designs in the country and is truly significant for that reason.”

All Images © Fernando Guerra – ÚLTIMAS REPORTAGENS | FG+SG

Info via dezeen

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