TOWER
SINO-CANADA
Client: BSD Co, Ltd
Tianjin, China
2017
28,745 m2 / 309,408 ft2
TIANJIN ECO-CITY, CHINA
The Sino-Canadian Eco-City Complex of Tianjin is an urban laboratory whose objective is to explore new urban solutions and architectural possibilities for the development of sustainable cities in China. This international cooperation will be beneficial for China and Canada by drawing on the expertise and know-how of the two countries.
SVA is participating in the project by designing five buildings, which will house research and development activities and promote Canadian expertise in wood construction. This project consists of two main buildings: the R&D and exhibition center and the Sino-Canadian tower, and three secondary buildings, all connected by accesses on the ground floor.
The Sino-Canadian tower is inspired by the pristine white of the Canadian peaks in winter. The outer shell of the tower, made of screen-printed glass, acts as a thermal blanket for the building and mimics the snowpack covering the mountainous terrain. The silkscreen patterns are a visual interpretation of mountain landscapes, with its delicate curves reminiscent of snow sliding down the slopes. Once again, design is coupled with function. These patterns are cleverly placed on the facade to filter out annoying sunlight while letting light in, thus increasing the visual comfort of the occupant and reducing the need for air conditioning in summer.
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