Project Name :
Location :
Category :
Status :
Area :
Year :
CQU Canteen
Chongqing, China
Public - Landscape
Competition
2nd Place
13.000 m2
2023
The building's design responds thoughtfully to the neighboring structures and connection points, aligning its boundaries with the existing urban fabric. This careful integration ensures respect for surrounding buildings while subtly opening the structure to establish visual and physical connectivity. The upper floors are strategically recessed to create terraces that serve as social spaces with sweeping views, particularly overlooking the basketball fields. These terraces are integral to the building’s identity, inviting students to relax, interact, and connect with the environment.
A series of exterior staircases are incorporated into the design, enabling direct access to the three levels of canteens and enhancing fluid movement between floors. This feature reduces congestion within the building and promotes an active, outdoor-oriented circulation that aligns with the overall emphasis on openness.
The dining experience unfolds vertically across the structure, with each floor offering a distinct character and atmosphere. The ground floor houses a spacious buffet-style canteen, designed for high-capacity dining and communal interaction. On the first floor, individual food shops form a lively food court environment, providing a variety of cuisines and fostering an energetic atmosphere. The third floor elevates the experience with a lounge-like ambiance, blending individual food outlets, a café, and private rooms. Expansive terraces on this level extend towards the basketball fields, offering prime spaces for relaxation and social gatherings while maintaining harmony with the edges of adjacent buildings.
A defining feature of the design is the integration of a large skylight, paired with an open central staircase. This combination allows natural light to penetrate the building’s core, creating a bright and inviting interior while reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The staircase serves as both a functional and visual element, connecting the floors while fostering a sense of spatial openness.
The concept prioritizes the interplay between light, movement, and community. By blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces and introducing thoughtful vertical programming, it creates an environment where students can dine, connect, and engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way.
To embody the identity of Chongqing University, the third floor’s envelope draws inspiration from the campus's iconic red brick buildings and the surrounding mountainous landscape. This connection is realized through the use of reddish, perforated panels that evoke the texture and warmth of the university’s architectural heritage.
The perforation pattern is designed to reflect the silhouette of the nearby mountains, translating their contours into varying shades that influence the size and density of the perforations. This thoughtful design not only pays homage to the natural and cultural context but also ensures the panels enclose the floor effectively while allowing ample natural light to filter through.
Street View
Street View
Plaza View
Field View
Plaza View
Plaza View
Interior View
Interior View
Interior View
