Pishayan Geology Park
Pishayan is a special rock formation on a barren land which is concentrated on the ancient continental formation in Ordos, Inner Mongolia. The huge valley that crosses lengthwise and breadthwise with its splendid sense of colors makes the viewer fallen into an illusion as if he or she saw a beautiful picture. In order to provide geologists with the opportunities to research and citizens with the spaces of rest and experience by opening this unique geological environment, a decision was made that a huge-scale geology park be formed with 89.7sqkm in Pishayan, Nuanshui.
In order to fulfill the functions of park, various pavilions are required such as the main gate, cafeteria, ropeway station, tea house, toilet, and outdoor stage. Such a task of design was entrusted to PLAT ASIA. The most important of this design was to make a device of communication with nature as well as maximizing the experience and interaction of landscape.
Particularly, the waterfall design required for this project shows consideration about the difference of landscaping techniques between Chinese southern and northern areas. The conceptual waterfall was made by considering the northern climate which is mostly dry over a year while artificial landscape could be made in nature in the southern climate.
Mirror-finished stainless steels were utilized to make various sizes of triangular cones which were then placed crisscross along the mountainous slope. In summer, water flows along these triangular faces and form waterfalls; in most seasons, they form a sense of unity with surroundings which are reflected in slight deformation by the stainless steels, thus swaying around the border between the visible and the invisible.
On the other hand, the tea house is parted from the land to ensure the best vista, thus enabling the inner occupant to enjoy the special view framed through the window.
Each pavillion was to form a unity of geography, nature, and function by a unique design technique, but the ultimate goal is to make the original landscape more enjoyable.