The typology of the building can be designated by the speaking phrase "house of culture". True, the creation of the New York architect bears little resemblance to the counterparts of the Soviet era that come to mind.
The complex of two buildings with a total area of 11,000 m2 is located on an artificial island. It is connected with other objects of the cultural and entertainment microdistrict Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) only by a pedestrian bridge.
The main building is three stories high and houses a restaurant, banquet halls, numerous recreational and multifunctional areas, as well as small exhibition spaces. In plan, it represents a segment of about one-third of a circle, with all the interior spaces arranged radially and connected by a gently curved covered gallery. A spectacular view of the central part of the new district opens from here, in the construction of which many famous architects have taken part and are taking part.
Walking paths through a small garden (a great place for secluded relaxation) lead to an indoor pool with a fitness center. If the main volume with its combination of inclined chopped edges of the inner and soft semicircle of the outer facades is rather complicated and sharp in its geometry, then the almost regular parallelepiped of the pool body, in contrast, is calm and clear. Moreover, such a dialogue provokes a “game” with the scale of the buildings.
In the interior, the architects made extensive use of daylight. White (which in Mayer's case could not even be mentioned), sloping walls (and in many interior areas the same coating is used as on the facades), glass and water surfaces create a bizarre play of reflections that are constantly changing throughout the day.
L. M.
