Residential quarter in the form of a mountain range by MAD Architects

Himalayas in the middle of Nanjing

Sure, everyone would like to live in the wild, but how to do it in the conditions of complete urbanization of the current generation. Designers from the Chinese firm MAD Architects tried to do this and presented their latest project “Nanjing Zendai Himalayas Center” at the fourteenth Venice Architecture Biennale.

Himalayas in the middle of Nanjing



The residential quarter, which looks like a mountain range, is designed in the style of the Chinese philosophical direction “Shanshui”, whose adherents put the harmonious relationship between man and nature above all else. The city quarter combined Chinese philosophy and modern architecture. The 140 acres of cliff-like buildings and waterfalls in the middle of China’s oldest city will highlight the harmonious connection between nature and Nanjing’s rapidly modernizing urban landscape.



Himalayas in the middle of Nanjing



Located in one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in China, Nanjing, the Zendai Himalayas Center will serve as a vivid example of preserving the historical past of the city in the context of high-tech innovation. Like most of the landscapes depicted in the paintings in the style of “Shanshui”, the “Himalayan Center” represents an artificial landscape in which mountain-like skyscrapers rise above the river valley. The quarter is divided into six districts, which are connected to each other by curved roads resembling rivers, shopping malls, as well as parks and gardens.



Himalayas in the middle of Nanjing



Some skyscrapers resemble mountain peaks, others - waterfalls, falling from cliffs and flowing into the valley of the river - lower buildings at the foot of skyscrapers. The architects also envisioned classic pedestrian bridges, waterfalls and winding rivers, thereby giving integrity to the bucolic Chinese image. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the undulating glass towers are equipped with sun protection as well as rainwater recycling systems and water collection tanks.



Himalayas in the middle of Nanjing

MAD Architects presented a mock-up of their project in an art installation titled “The Image of Shanshui” at the beginning of the architectural biennale. Nanjing Zendai Himalayas Center is currently under construction and is scheduled to be completed in 2017.



Source: www.ecobyt.ru/