A Masterpiece of Sustainable Architecture

The Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall in Jiaozuo, China, designed by LUO studio, is a remarkable example of sustainable architecture that harmoniously blends traditional and contemporary design elements. This article delves into the unique architectural features of this exhibition hall, emphasizing its innovative use of materials, structural design, and ecological considerations.

Conceptual Shift from Factory to Exhibition Hall

Background and Location

Xiuwu County, historically known as Huaiqing Prefecture, is renowned for its production of traditional Chinese medicine herbs, including the Rehmannia root. The local government has supported the development of the medicinal herb industry in Houyanmen Village, culminating in the creation of the Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall.

Design Approach

The transition from a factory-style building to an exhibition hall required a significant conceptual shift. LUO studio persuaded stakeholders to embrace a new design paradigm that met the requirements of a large-span, open space while reflecting the local characteristics and ecological considerations.

Sunlight as the Core of Craftsmanship and Space

Inspiration from Traditional Techniques

The design team drew inspiration from the ancient Chinese physician Sun Simiao's "nine steaming and nine sun-drying" methodology. This traditional process, which relies heavily on sunlight, became a central theme in shaping the exhibition hall's space.

Architectural Design

The circular form of the building enhances the play of light and shadow, creating a dynamic and enriched light environment. The design incorporates unconventional methods for introducing natural light, such as through ceilings, eaves, and gaps between walls.

Circular Plane and Visitor Circulation

Efficient Space Organization

The exhibition hall features a nearly circular plane, forming an inscribed circle with a diameter of 37 meters. This layout ensures a logically arranged circulation route, avoiding overlaps and detours. The periphery of the inscribed circle serves as the main circulation route for visitors.

Functional Zones

The design introduces distinct "ring" spaces:

• Outer Ring: Enclosure walls with wooden structures for display boards.
• Middle Ring: Shelves for displaying Rehmannia root products.
• Inner Ring: A sunken seating area for health and wellness sessions, accentuated by a central skylight.

Furniture-Structure-Space Integration

Sustainable Construction Techniques

Inspired by traditional wooden construction methods, the project employs the "furniture as structure" methodology. Small-section column arrays are used to create functional shelves, integrating structure, furniture, and space into a cohesive whole.

Advantages in Rural Construction

This construction approach offers significant advantages in rural settings:

1. Manual Construction: The use of small components facilitated manual movement, allowing local villagers to participate in the construction process.
2. Efficiency and Cost Savings: The modular construction method enhanced processing and assembly efficiency, leading to substantial savings in manpower and material resources.

Roof Truss in Spirally Circular Overlap Formation

Structural Design

The roof truss follows the logical framework of a regular 18-sided polygon. The design eliminates complex central nodes by using a spirally circular formation, where wooden beams support each other, distributing pressure evenly.

Visual and Functional Impact

The staggered gaps between the 18 walls allow natural light to filter into the space, creating a visually captivating interplay of light and shadow. The central skylight accentuates the sense of centrality and enhances daylighting in the middle of the building.

Use of Local Materials and Traditional Techniques

Brick and Timber Construction

The exhibition hall utilizes local red bricks and traditional masonry techniques for the enclosure and internal partition walls. The combination of red-brick masonry with an engineered wood frame structure ensures structural integrity and durability.

Alignment with Local Architecture

The design echoes the traditional built environment of Houyanmen Village, where houses typically feature brick walls on the lower section and wooden frames on the upper part. This approach enhances the spatial aesthetics and aligns with the genius loci.

The Prepared Rehmannia Root Crafts Exhibition Hall by LUO studio is a testament to the innovative and sustainable architectural practices that harmoniously blend traditional and contemporary design elements. By embracing ecological considerations and local craftsmanship, the exhibition hall not only meets the functional requirements but also enhances the cultural and aesthetic value of the rural landscape.

All the photographs are work of Weiqi Jin