Shenfu viewing tower, Shenyang

The city of Shenyang plans to extend twice its territory within the coming twenty years. Shenfu will become a new city district located at the south east outskirts of the city. A completely new part of the city is designed together with a recreation network of parks and squares for new inhabitants. The entrance to the new city quarter will be marked by a viewing tower. The new viewing object makes observing of two different locations possible. First is the inner city of Shenyang with Imperial Palace and Tombs, second is the nearby bird watching island and Minsu Garden. This requirement influenced the architectonic form of the object. The city can be seen from the open platform hanging above the road and the nature area from the high tower. Both elements are not separated but they are perceived as a whole. They fit into the surrounding infrastructure and rose garden which steps down towards the river. The volume of the tower is tilted towards the direction of the view which is showing. It is designed as an open construction with a staircase leading towards the viewing window at the top. It is cladded with perforated corten steel panels. While walking towards the top, holes in the steel become bigger. It intensifies experience of walking from dark towards bright open space. Gradual transition of perforation reveals also closed pattern of roses. The rose flower is the official symbol of Shenyang.

location: Shenyang, China

year of design: 2012

in collaboration with: Niek Roozen bv

client: Niek Roozen bv, City of Shenyang