MAD Architects' Yabuli Congress Center: A Tent beneath Snow Mountains

The Yabuli Entrepreneurs' Congress Center, designed by the renowned architect Ma Yansong and his firm MAD architects, is a stunning example of how a building can blend seamlessly into its surroundings while still making a bold architectural statement. Located in Yabuli, Heilongjiang Province, a popular ski town in China, the centre boasts a total interior area of 16,000 square meters, with facilities including a library, exhibition halls, and more than 20 well-equipped multi-functional rooms.

From a distance, the building appears to be a giant white tent floating down from the top of the mountain, its undulating roof inspired by the shape of distant snow-capped mountains. The organic and biological texture of the white aluminium panels recalls the contours of fresh snow, while the floor-to-ceiling glass curtain walls on both the east and west sides of the building merge the interior and exterior views of the pure snow scenery and warm wooden interior into a singular composition.

The interior layout and circulation work with the building's height differences that follow the downward slope of the hill, leaving the art of the building hidden underground. The main entrance is on the ground floor by the east side, while the side entrance and exit are located on the second floor by the west side. The curved roof cantilevers up to 20 meters, providing shelter for passersby from inclement weather. All MEP terminals are designed to be not visible, while the louvred openings are set in the sunken garden underground, allowing for a smooth visual continuity between the curve on the façade and the interior walls.

Inside, sunlight from the central skylight floods the wood-clad lobby, which maintains a commanding presence within the central axis of the centre. Additional light features are embedded throughout the structure to illuminate the dynamic activity taking place inside while ETFE, a lightweight and translucent plastic polymer, is integrated into the curtain wall structure to diffuse light throughout the interior. The lobby can function as a temporary performance space thanks to an acoustic design using wood panels with 4mm micro-perforations.

The main conference hall is an entirely column-free space that can accommodate nearly 1,000 people. The LED screen of the 350-seat auditorium can be opened to transform the surrounding mountains into a backdrop. The centre hosts educational programs for entrepreneurs and corporations, which can accommodate big conferences, exhibitions, corporate training programs and think tanks simultaneously. It is also designated to host the annual event of the China Entrepreneurs Forum (CEF) as well as the Chinese Entrepreneurs Museum.

Above the snowy mountains of Yabuli, there is the most beautiful starry sky; a luminous deep blue that extends infinitely into the universe. The bonfire and the tent served as design inspiration as these two elements reflect the human spirit of exploring the greater unknown, seeking truth and knowledge in the dark. The Yabuli Entrepreneurs’ Congress Center is the physical site for the heritage of that spirit which guides the way for the successors. During the day, the architecture is a form of land art on the snow-covered earth; at night, the warm lighting illuminates the structure like a burning bonfire by a tent.

In conclusion, the Yabuli Entrepreneurs' Congress Center is a stunning architectural masterpiece that blends in with the surrounding landscape while still making a bold and beautiful statement. With its undulating roof, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and beautiful interior design, the center is an ideal location for conferences, exhibitions, and educational programs. Moreover, it is a testament to the human spirit of exploration, seeking knowledge in the dark, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.