“Pavilion of Pastel Shadows: A Nature-Integrated Oasis at Shiyaling Park”

Nestled at the base of Shiyaling Mountain in Shenzhen, China, the Pavilion of Pastel Shadows by Studio 10

transforms a simple public restroom into a serene, multi-functional sanctuary for park visitors. Positioned near the artistic hub of Dafen Oil Painting Village, this 136 m² pavilion (completed in 2023) serves as a thoughtfully designed rest stop for athletes, climbers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Harmonizing Architecture and Nature

The pavilion is uniquely situated between a lush, vegetated hillside and a busy pedestrian-friendly road lined with sports facilities. The site is home to six mature trees, whose canopies provide shade and a continuous chorus of birdsong throughout the year. Early in the design process, the architects conducted a meticulous survey of the trees’ trunks and branches, allowing the pavilion’s layout to weave seamlessly around these natural elements. Functional spaces are positioned thoughtfully near the road and adjacent buildings, minimizing ecological disruption while preserving the site’s natural beauty.

A lightweight canopy connects the pavilion’s discrete functional “boxes,” punctuated strategically to accommodate tree branches. This design creates naturally shaped eaves and semi-outdoor spaces that offer park visitors a tranquil area to rest, engage with nature, and enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding hillside.

Interactive Design and Sustainability

The pavilion encourages interaction with its environment. Outdoor sinks and benches, crafted from the site’s original tree pits, invite visitors to pause, appreciate the mountain scenery, listen to birdsong, or enjoy the soft patter of rainfall. These elements turn everyday actions, like washing hands, into contemplative experiences, fostering a deeper connection between people and nature.

Drawing inspiration from the playful shadows cast by the trees, Studio 10 incorporated perforations and skylights into the roofs and facades. These design choices serve practical purposes, lighting and ventilation, while preserving and reinterpreting the dynamic memory of light and shadow. Even small interior elements, like sink mirrors and hand dryer casings, echo this poetic interplay, allowing visitors to experience nature’s rhythms indoors.

Aesthetic Influence and Materiality

The pavilion’s neutral pastel palette and textured finishes pay homage to the artistic heritage of Dafen Oil Painting Village. The colors and materials evoke the essence of oil paintings, blending the structure seamlessly into the green, mountainous backdrop. The result is a building that is simultaneously functional, visually engaging, and deeply connected to its site.

By balancing sustainable design, cultural context, and experiential architecture, the Pavilion of Pastel Shadows exemplifies how a small public infrastructure project can transcend utility and become an immersive, nature-integrated landmark.

All photographs are works of  Chao Zhang