Sep. 28. 2024
Reviewed by David Vi Boi Huynh, BOI ARCHI DESIGN
The CANNANO Exhibition Center is a remarkable architectural achievement that represents the intersection of nature, technology, and innovation. The design effectively conveys its intention to become a landmark for nanotechnology. It embodies the key principles of contemporary architecture, shaping aspirations for a future focused on academic development and technological advancement.
1. Overall Form and Concept:
The spherical glulam latticed shell structure, inspired by the concept of the "sequoia tree," serves as a powerful metaphor for growth, interconnectedness, and resilience. Sequoias are known for their longevity, strength, and towering presence, and by drawing inspiration from this natural form, the designers have embedded a sense of grandeur and permanence into the Exhibition Center's design. The geometric shape resembling an “apple core” is visually appealing, unique, and symbolizes the common development and branching of disciplines and groups, which is perfectly in line with the exhibition center’s purpose of showcasing achievements in nanotechnology and research.
The spherical glulam latticed shell structure, inspired by the concept of the "sequoia tree," serves as a powerful metaphor for growth, interconnectedness, and resilience. Sequoias are known for their longevity, strength, and towering presence, and by drawing inspiration from this natural form, the designers have embedded a sense of grandeur and permanence into the Exhibition Center's design. The geometric shape resembling an “apple core” is visually appealing, unique, and symbolizes the common development and branching of disciplines and groups, which is perfectly in line with the exhibition center’s purpose of showcasing achievements in nanotechnology and research.
The decision to use a dome-like structure with a transparent glass curtain wall enhances the aesthetic value and signifies openness and inclusivity. This transparent quality invites natural light into the space, creating a bright, airy environment that promotes learning, discovery, and interaction, making the center feel less like an institutional building and more like a space of shared exploration.
2. Structural Innovation and Materiality:
The dual-system construction of the Exhibition Center is an impressive feat of engineering. The use of glulam (glued laminated timber) for the latticed shell structure brings a sustainable and organic touch to the design, reflecting a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Glulam is not only a renewable resource but also offers exceptional strength, allowing the structure to span large distances without the need for excessive support. This choice of material connects the building to nature, reinforcing the sequoia tree metaphor.
The dual-system construction of the Exhibition Center is an impressive feat of engineering. The use of glulam (glued laminated timber) for the latticed shell structure brings a sustainable and organic touch to the design, reflecting a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Glulam is not only a renewable resource but also offers exceptional strength, allowing the structure to span large distances without the need for excessive support. This choice of material connects the building to nature, reinforcing the sequoia tree metaphor.
The main steel structure, which supports the functional spaces, works in harmony with the glulam shell. The three sets of "core tubes" spaced 120 degrees apart provide vertical support, allowing the second and third floors to be cantilevered and column-free. This results in a functional space that feels expansive, adaptable, and flexible, embodying the ideals of modern design by maximizing usable space and minimizing visual obstructions.
3. Spaces and Functionality:
The thoughtful organization of the interior spaces enhances the building's role as a center for innovation, creativity, and knowledge sharing:
The thoughtful organization of the interior spaces enhances the building's role as a center for innovation, creativity, and knowledge sharing:
Ground Floor: The exhibition hall, divided into sections for introduction, innovation, entrepreneurship, creation, and dream creation, provides a comprehensive experience for visitors. This layout encourages a journey of discovery, guiding visitors through the different facets of nanotechnology.
Second Floor: The inclusion of academic conference rooms, a multifunctional party building activity hall, and an open reading area reflects the building's dual purpose as both a research hub and a community space. This multifunctionality ensures that the center can host diverse events, from academic exchanges to casual gatherings.
Third Floor: The 360° panoramic indoor platform with a media release area, coffee bar, and salon offers a versatile, relaxed environment for networking and casual meetings, ensuring that the center caters to both formal and informal interactions.
Second Floor: The inclusion of academic conference rooms, a multifunctional party building activity hall, and an open reading area reflects the building's dual purpose as both a research hub and a community space. This multifunctionality ensures that the center can host diverse events, from academic exchanges to casual gatherings.
Third Floor: The 360° panoramic indoor platform with a media release area, coffee bar, and salon offers a versatile, relaxed environment for networking and casual meetings, ensuring that the center caters to both formal and informal interactions.
4. Symbolism and Visual Impact:
The spherical glulam lattice structure rising from the center creates a sense of upward movement, representing growth and the pursuit of knowledge. The interwoven nature of the timber grid symbolizes collaborative efforts in academia and research, reinforcing the building’s role as a shared learning space and interdisciplinary engagement.
The spherical glulam lattice structure rising from the center creates a sense of upward movement, representing growth and the pursuit of knowledge. The interwoven nature of the timber grid symbolizes collaborative efforts in academia and research, reinforcing the building’s role as a shared learning space and interdisciplinary engagement.
The column-free interior not only enhances the visual purity but also signifies the center's adaptability, ensuring that the exhibition spaces can be easily reconfigured for various purposes, whether it's hosting large exhibitions, intimate seminars, or public events.
5. Integration with the Environment:
The Exhibition Center is strategically located at the central landscape plaza of the CANNANO Park, ensuring that it serves as a focal point within the campus. Its transparent and organic structure allows it to blend with the surroundings while still standing out as a distinctive, forward-thinking landmark. The choice to use glass and glulam helps soften the visual impact, making it an inviting and approachable structure.
The Exhibition Center is strategically located at the central landscape plaza of the CANNANO Park, ensuring that it serves as a focal point within the campus. Its transparent and organic structure allows it to blend with the surroundings while still standing out as a distinctive, forward-thinking landmark. The choice to use glass and glulam helps soften the visual impact, making it an inviting and approachable structure.
6. Conclusion:
Of course, the Exhibition Center of CANNANO is not just a building; it's a manifestation of the ideals of progress, innovation, and sustainability. The designers have successfully given form to these concepts through an elegant, functional, and symbolically rich structure that will serve as an inspirational beacon for researchers, innovators, and visitors alike. This architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can indeed shape the future and provide an enduring, meaningful contribution to the world.
Of course, the Exhibition Center of CANNANO is not just a building; it's a manifestation of the ideals of progress, innovation, and sustainability. The designers have successfully given form to these concepts through an elegant, functional, and symbolically rich structure that will serve as an inspirational beacon for researchers, innovators, and visitors alike. This architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to how thoughtful design can indeed shape the future and provide an enduring, meaningful contribution to the world.
