XINGYI
Satellite View
Considered one of the most stunning nature reserves in the world, Xingyi is a paradise of lush jungles and forests infesting towering Rocky Mountains and valleys. The ecology of the region is unique for its disproportionate tower mountains, considered one of the producers’ inspirations for the movie Avatar. Inhabiting those forests are minorities with very intricate and endangered cultures.
Location Xingyi | China
Type Commission
Program Masterplan
Size 4,000 SQKM
Satellite View
To cater and spread the knowledge of the natural beauty of the region and its culture, a project has been developed with facilities to serve its ecotourism. The concept was to minimize ground-level interventions and enhance natural elements in areas with lesser variation. Hence, a subterranean approach has been adopted by carving into the mountains and creating cave-like spaces housing restaurants, galleries, activities, and lodging spaces. The spaces are connected via huge underground tunnels creating stone-flavored burrows, opening up out of the mountain, and looking over the surrounding scenes and valleys.
Interior Shots
Those outlook point shaves have been strategically located to overlook the previously dead natural spots that have been rejuvenated by Gerada’s marvelous satellite scale artworks. The artworks were designed to represent human portraits constructed out of patches of trees and bushes of various colors. The result is a scene where human ingenuity meets natural landscapes.
Restaurant Views
The project was designed by BAD in collaboration with Vicente Guallart and Georges Rodriguez Gerada.