In a world of economic uncertainty and rapid change, this project situates itself between two paradigms, growth fueled by fast money and the inevitability of market collapse. How can architects engage in sky rocketing real estate development while remaining socially and environmentally responsible?
This project re-envisions building practice in the context of the environmental and economic challenges we face today in an attempt to establish a new kind of architecture that creates the maximum collective efficiency and happiness with the minimum resources and environmental impact. Once built, the dome will become a destination for the people of the 20+10 complex and Ordos residents beyond; a place to celebrate, to socialize, and to show-case the possibility of future space in the new century. But what happens when the coal runs out?
Per capita, Ordos is one of the wealthiest areas in China because of its coal reserves, but this mono-industry is not sustainable. The 20+10 Dome engages in the present condition of Ordos while simultaneously anticipating its inevitable end. The project is conceived in two parts: a bio-skin shell and a micro-polis.
<strong>Original geography as the new ground</strong>
The unique geography of the site records the ancient natural history of this place. It will be preserved and used as the new ground for the social activities to happen. Land form as Architecture.
<strong>Bio-skin shell</strong>
Inspired by Fuller, the most efficient structural form, Dome, is constructed to provide the biological skin for the space. Taking the advantage of the solar power, geothermal, natural ventilation and other passive techniques, this Bio-Skin provides a climate-controlled environment to host the Micro-polis inside, and nurtures a new landscape to protect the ancient geography below. The bio-skin shell is made with glass and steel, minimizing construction time and easily reprocessed at the end of its lifecycle.
<strong>Micro-polis with open plan</strong>
A new kind of architecture is generated around the micro-structures which host the core of each service function. Like a micro-polis, or a miniature of the city, the OPEN plan provides the maximum flexibility and efficiency both in terms of construction and its functionality. The micro-polis acts as an infrastructural backbone to the dome structure while at the same time remaining independent. This affords the micro-polis the ability to expand its program under the shelter of the dome, and when the money driving the Ordos building boom runs out, the
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