Sculpture & Architecture

Galaxy Soho, Beijing

 

 

" In response to the varied contextual relationships and dynamic conditions of Beijing, the Galaxy Soho as a variety of public spaces that engages with the city directly. And inspired by nature, it reinterprets the traditional urban fabric and modern living patterns into a seamless urban landscape" (Betsky, 2013, p.226).

Arguments

 

Positive:

 

• [Shape] - Here, the volumes coalesce to create a continuous mutual adaptation and fluid movement between each building, which make architecture is no longer just composed of rigid blocks (Betsky, 2013, p.226).

 

• [Shape] - The design ideas of shifting plateau create a deep sense of envelopment and immersion. Especially when visitors enter deeper into this building, they will find intimate spaces that follow the same coherent formal logic of continuous curve linearity (Betsky, 2013, p.226). 

 

• [Function] - Through a series of intimate interiors of Galaxy Soho, these different functions, containing retail, office and entertainment, are always interconnect with each other and link with the city (Betsky, 2013, p.226). 

 

 

Negative:

 

• [Landscape] - The Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Center attacked the Galaxy Soho project and labeled it as a typical unfortunate example of the destruction of Beijing old town. And they said because of this project, the surrounding original urban plan, the old Beijing streetscape, the traditional Hutong and courtyard houses, the landscape formation, and the style and colour scheme of Beijing’s unique vernacular architecture have been suffered varying degrees of damage (Dezeen, 2013, Available from: http://www.dezeen.com/2013/08/03/zaha-hadid-galaxy-soho-riba-award-lubetkin-prize-chinese-heritage/ [Accessed: 6th January 2016]).

 

• [Visual] - The Galaxy Soho project has broken the preservationists. She failed to fulfill her practice's promise that its projects "work in synchronicity with their surroundings". The shape is huge, bulbous and uniform, which looms menacingly over surrounding hutongs, the streets and alleys bordered by courtyard houses that are characteristic of old Beijing (Moore, 2013, Available from: http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/sep/08/zaha-hadid-serpentine-sackler-profile [Accessed: 6th January 2016]).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questionnaire:

(I asked 20 people of different age groups, including both visitors and staffs to get an insight into their perception of the space and the content. Below are representative answers. Basically, most of answers of these questions are positive)

 

 

Do you think ‘Galaxy Soho’ is a great addition to Beijing skyline?

 

• Yes, I like Zaha Hadid's design; the shape is modern and looks like a combination of digital technology and the natural landscape. 

• Yes, especially at night, it creates the beautiful light effects.

 

Are you satisfied with the function that provided by ‘Galaxy Soho’? Do you think it has a good cooperation with its surrounding?​

 

• Yes, there are a lot of retail stores and restaurants. I always come here to spend my weekend with my friends.

• Yes, it is close to my apartment, and lots of buses and tubes can bring me arrive here.

 

Do you think ‘Galaxy Soho’ works best in terms of its appearance (sculpture) or function/ use?

 

• Both, I think, it is a famous landmark in Beijing and provides good services.

• I prefer to its appearance, as it adds modern design elements in Beijing.

 

Do you think the Galaxy Soho’s positive influences outweigh the negative influences?

 

• Yes, it promotes the consumption.

• Yes, it is the unique landmark and the good combination of work and leisure.

• I think this project aggravates the more heavy traffic problems in this district, as it brings a large number of customers and visitors.

 

Do you think ‘Galaxy Soho’ provide a good working experience? (Staff)

 

• Yes, I like the central open air space where I can feel relax and rest.

• Yes, Yes, Its easy accessibility is not only reflected in the open courtyard, but also reflected in the sky bridges. The bridges are conveniently accommodating communication and contact between office workers. Beside, it provides enough parking spaces on the basement floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Context

 

This project has multi-purpose functions that include office, retail and entertainment complex. It has 18 floors in total, comprising three below ground with the retail units surrounding the courtyards on the lower levels, offices from floors 4 to 15, and bars and restaurants at the upper floors. 

 

The Galaxy Soho is a composition of four continuous volumes, set apart, linked and fused by stretched bridges and platforms between curving floor plates. It creates a fluid environment that surrounds a series of public courtyards and a larger central "canyon" (Betsky, 2013, p.226).