Conceived as an 'open city within a city', this huge multi-use complex stands as a new model for urban living. At ground level, public functions connect with green spaces and a shallow pool, acting as a greywater recycling pond, provides a central focus. The cinema appears to float over it, animated with external projections. Colour is used in accordance with Chinese Buddhist architecture and a public sky-loop of inhabited bridges echoes the ground level circulation, both acting as social condensers. Geo-thermal wells and a ground source heat pump system provide 70% of the heating and cooling requirements, working with the greywater recycling and emphasis on pedestrian traffic to minimise the environmental impact of the development.

Source:

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2011.