the architectural design and research institute of zhejiang university (UAD studio) has completed a large multi-purpose hall for shaoxing hotel in china. the architects were faced with the challenge of creating a building that can comfortably accommodate thousands of people in one space. the resulting scheme combines contemporary design with more traditional chinese architectural elements, such as white walls, black tiles, winding corridors and well-spaced flowers and trees. 

image © zhao qiang (also main image)
 
 
the program of the building comprises of a gross floor area of 85878.13 ft2 (7978.34 m2) and is 54.45 ft (16.595 m) tall with one-story main part and three-story local part. the design by UAD incorporates large sweeping roofs over the vast spaces which aim to mirror the contours of a mountain range and achieve a fusion of landscape and architecture.
perspective view of the west elevation, image © zhao qiang
 
 
the details of the building have also been carefully created in an effort to realize an effective transition from tradition to modernity. the scale of the eaves are emphazised to relate to the surrounding architectural context meanwhile on the south elevation, the depth of field is exaggerated creating a covered space of colonnades and water pools. large copper columns make up this elevation and mirror the surrounding trees, evoking a sensation of an ?urban forest.?

south elevation of the multi-purpose hall, image © zhao qiang

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