Loop of Wisdom
Gisteren, 00:00
With the evocative name "Loop of Wisdom," Powerhouse Company's technology museum and reception center embodies a timeless architectural concept. Located in a new neighborhood in Chengdu, China, the building is much more than just a distinctive landmark . Besides its obvious aesthetic appeal and cultural program, the flowing structure includes a spectacular public space—a sloping rooftop walkway. With this addition, the Loop of Wisdom becomes an accessible icon, inviting people to explore and incorporate the rooftop into their daily walk or run.
The design of the Loop of Wisdom as a continuous ribbon is archetypal and universal; organic and geometric; mysterious yet instantly recognizable. Although the client initially requested a temporary pavilion, the quality of the design guided the decision to create a permanent building. The Loop of Wisdom's design transformed the idea for an ephemeral solution into a vision for a lasting and inherently sustainable structure.
"While spectacular museums and reception centers are commonplace in China, we wanted to create an icon that people can actually explore and use."
– Nanne de Ru, Founder of Powerhouse Company
Put a ring on it
The client, real estate specialist and chip manufacturer Uni-Hiku, commissioned Powerhouse Company to design the museum and reception center as part of their new development, Unis Chip City, in the vibrant metropolis of Chengdu. The new buildings would also serve as a technology museum and information center for the new urban development.
During the site visit, the architects noticed a natural undulation in the terrain with a subtle and flowing slope. Often, these natural elevation changes are leveled during construction. Powerhouse Company decided instead to use the topography as the basis for a unique design that would bring an organic softness to the urban environment. By designing a circular path that follows the hilly landscape, the two separate program components are combined into a single gesture. As the path climbs to make room for the program below, a stunning view of the new urban development unfolds. The building is both a walking path and architecture, while nature flows through and around the design.
The flowing, organic form of the Loop of Wisdom also references the mountainous landscape surrounding the plain in which Chengdu is situated. Embedded in the landscape, the building is accessible and public; a place where people can walk, run, or simply enjoy the view. The Möbius-like shape evokes human ingenuity and Uni-Hiku's high-tech background, as do the building's high structural quality and the cutting-edge technology used to design and build it.
"We wanted to utilize the landscape rather than ignore it, so we used it to create an elegant, soft form. The building is highly contextual, even though it is the first building to rise in this neighborhood of Chengdu. The design complements the surrounding landscape, and the subtle form invites people to explore."
– Stijn Kemper, Partner at Powerhouse Company
Red Roof Landscape
The rooftop walkway is 698 meters long and rises 25 meters above ground level, offering spectacular views of the surrounding greenery and the distant mountains. The surface is made of rubberized asphalt—the material used for athletic tracks—making the path suitable for both runners and walkers. The red roof contrasts with the lush green of the surrounding landscape.
The roof surface is covered with unique, custom-made aluminum panels, each with its own shape and numerical code. The 15,218 panels form a seamless skin with a reptilian appearance. Functional elements such as gutters, balustrades, and the LED strips that illuminate the building at night are all carefully concealed. This results in a streamlined profile with elegant simplicity and flowing lines.
Beneath the red roof, the exhibition spaces have a warm and natural atmosphere, with wooden ceilings and open views of the surrounding landscape. The 13-meter-high facades are constructed of structural glass with glass fins for stability. This transparency blurs the line between inside and out, reinforcing the connection with nature.
"As a runner myself, I am particularly proud of the health and well-being aspect of the Loop. The sloping roof landscape creates a space for people to exercise outdoors. In addition, an athletics track will be built for the nearby school in the future.'
– Niels Baljet Project Architect at Powerhouse Company
A powerful new landmark
Unis Chip City is one of the largest developments in the Tianfu New District of Chengdu, Sichuan. Situated next to the major thoroughfare, Tianfu Avenue, the building draws attention with its flowing form and vibrant red color. At night, LED lighting transforms the structure into a sparkling sculpture. As the first completed building in the new development, it serves as a landmark for the future community and a magnet for future residents.
In addition to designing the Loop of Wisdom, Powerhouse Company acted as consultant for the masterplan, which includes residential buildings, offices, shopping centers, and schools. The firm also designed other components of the masterplan, including a cluster of mixed-use office buildings currently under construction.
"Thanks to its enormous visual appeal, the Loop of Wisdom has become an instant hit on social media. Its unique shape makes the building look different from every angle and in every selfie."
– Rui Wang Project Architect at Powerhouse Company
Streamlined for the Future
The entire building, including the interior and landscape, was designed and built with true Chinese speed: completion, from design to delivery, took roughly a year. Thanks to an advanced integration of parametric drawing software with the BIM model, the design went from sketch to construction drawing in just a few days.
The time difference between Powerhouse Company's headquarters in Rotterdam and the location in China enabled efficient communication. Both parties consulted at the beginning and end of their workdays, respectively, allowing continuous work on the design and engineering.
Ultimately, a new school will be built on the site adjacent to the Loop of Wisdom. The building will then enter a second phase as a library and sports center, complete with an Olympic-sized track. This will maintain the building's central role in the community. This flexibility and long lifespan contribute to the building's sustainable character.
"The Loop of Wisdom demonstrates how a landscape can shape a building, and how parametric design can be used to achieve simplicity and elegance within a highly complex structure." In addition, our design is such that it can change from a museum to a school building in the future.'
– Stijn Kemper Partner at Powerhouse Company