seaside pavilion by gn architects revives Chaishan Island’s pier
The Seaside Pavilion by GN Architects is the winning design from the ‘Hello, Island’ competition, installed on Chaishan Island to symbolize the region’s renewal. The island, once a thriving fishing community, now has fewer than 100 elderly residents as most have moved to urban areas. To revitalize the area, the Zhoushan Government launched the ‘Hello, Island’ project, transforming Chaishan into a hub of art, design, and culture. In the context of accelerating urbanization, the design of the pavilion aims to create a focal point that brings a touch of romanticism to the simple and pure island life, establishing a destination that is both practical and poetic. Inspired by traditional Chinese village entrances, where large trees serve as gathering spots, the pavilion creates a sense of arrival and community.
all images by Liang Wenjun unless stated otherwise
The pavilion features elongated blades moving Rhythmically
GN Architects’ design aims to recreate this sense of arrival at the island’s entrance, enhancing the village’s context and establishing a distinct identity. The original concept relied on tidal movements for motion. When visitors sat in the pavilion, the waves and the structure would rise and fall together over hours. However, to consider the primary audience, tourists, the design has been revised to use wind power for instant effects. The design team also optimized the form to make the changes more noticeable. After several site surveys, the chosen location is a defunct cargo pier from the 1960s, situated between the new passenger terminal and the village. Surrounded by jagged rocks with a backdrop of blue skies and sea, the site offers a perfect setting.
The design features elongated blades suspended from a frame, swaying gently in the sea breeze and moving in harmony with the waves. This poetic yet practical setting repurposes the old pier with repairs and new railings, turning it into a gathering and resting place for the island’s elderly. The Seaside Pavilion resembles white feathers dancing in the breeze, a symbolic representation of the island. The installation embodies two key concepts: first, as a psychological landmark (The Long Pavilion), determining its location and spatial form; second, as a blend of poetic realism (The Feather of Chaishan), shaping its unique design.
GN Architects employs high-strength fishing ropes on the blades
Prefabricated and transported to the island, the the Seaside Pavilion by GN Architects comprises 36 seven-meter-long blades, grouped into sets of three. Each blade’s initial position was precisely calculated through computer simulations, with weights balanced for optimal movement. A single blade is connected to the main support through a bearing, and the tail of the blade is equipped with a counterweight block for adjusting the balance of the main and secondary stages. To prevent collisions, linkages and limiters were added between the blades. After testing various options, including flexible springs and hydraulic buffers, rubber was chosen for its simplicity, UV resistance, and corrosion resistance. Given the coastal location, the installation uses corrosion-resistant steel and anti-rust coatings. While fabric membranes were originally planned for the blades, higher-strength fishing ropes were selected for better durability and wind resistance. The blades sway slightly in a gentle breeze and move visibly at more forceful winds. In case of a typhoon, the blades can be securely tied to the frame to prevent damage.
image by Zhang Yong
image by Tian Fangfang
project info:
name: The Seaside Pavilion on Chaishan Island
architect: GN Architects
location: Chai Shan Island, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China
site area: 75 sqm
organizers: ‘Hello Little Island’ Competition Committee, Zhoushan City, Zhoushan Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports, Erk Culture Development (Zhoushan) Co., Ltd., Shanghai Bujiasi Cultural Arts Co., Ltd.
client: Baisha Island Management Committee, Putuo District, Zhoushan City
design team: Shen Lijiang, Liu Tong, Cui Hengxuan, Ding Hao, Zheng Zhen
design unit: GN Architects
construction unit: Baoding Shenjiang Sculpture Art Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
photographers: Liang Wenjun, Tian Fangfang, Zhang Yong, Jiang Meng
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
