Design Statement

Concept

The design concept evolved from the biological term Symbiosis. In its most basic definition Symbiosis means “Living Together”. Various functional zonings and facilities are integrated together working in unison. The functional planning is based on economical design principles to ensure that the various uses compliment each other. We felt this was appropriate to the ocean theme as some sea creatures live in mutual symbiosis. Both creatures benefit from the experience intertwined in the functions of daily life and working together in harmony.

Architectural Approach
The architecture approach has taken proven design principles used in continentally semi-tropical environments around the world and reinterpreted them in a contemporary style that respects both the inherent culture of Qingdao and the natural environment into which the buildings are placed.
The masterplan is primarily about creating the urban landscape. The framework of which is expressed in an organic form that ties the scheme together yet allows elements within the frame to change.
We wanted to create buildings that were independent of each other yet connected. The plan layout is dynamic in its form relating to the sea life and to the ever-changing face of the ocean.
The beach is broken into a series of precincts that change from more public spaces at the western end of the beach to more private intimate spaces at the eastern end.
Open, free flowing internal spaces expand out onto large outdoor areas that in tern provide a direct relationship with the ocean and the natural environment.
The buildings are all planned to incorporate natural materials wherever possible, including the stone/tree (?) (IAPA) to confirm common to the area which is generally intended to form feature walls and landscaping elements.
The main facade materials will include steel, glass, timber and stone. Operable windows and doors will allow internal and external spaces to merge into one depending on the comfort conditions required of each individual. The pattern of open and closed windows creating a random pattern on the façade that is always changing.
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Landscape
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The landscape design of Qingdao beach foreshore was the most influential aspect in the development of the masterplan. It provided the opportunity to create a rich tapestry of textures and colours along the beach. The promenade walk thus becomes a journey of changing landscapes. A vivid ephemeral landscape.
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The palette of materials includes hard paved areas, stenciled concrete patterns, timber plank decking, undulating grassed/shrub areas, palm trees and other local trees arranged in an organic pattern.
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The shading structures are made form timber stick or stainless steel columns providing shading from the sun and areas for outdoor dining and entertainment.
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The landscaping pattern further strengthens the idea of connecting the buildings and elements in the development and integrating these with the natural environment.
Water features are randomly placed along the promenade. These are places where children can play and at night with the use of lighting become striking water shows.
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Street theatre and markets are held at the beach on weekends and special occasions. Local art displays are scattered along the foreshore promoting the local culture. We wanted the large open space adjacent the hotel to be used as a place for public forum, for talks and events.
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Landscape furniture such as timber and glass seating shelves as well as light poles and designer garbage bins further strengthen the texture of the urban landscape and create the structure and framework of the beach walk.
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Environmental Design
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Environmentally Sustainable design principles have been used wherever economically possible. Our aim is to reduce the amount of energy required to be supplied to the development, which intern reduces the demand for energy usually mechanically generated. We therefore conserve the earth’s natural resources.

These initiatives include allowing the natural sea breezes to flow through the buildings, naturally cooling the internal air.

Buildings are orientated to maximize the use of warm winter sun and protect from cold winter winds reducing heating loads.

Large roofs and other shading structures are used to control the effect of the sun on the buildings and therefore reduce the build up of heat that occurs from this solar radiation.

These design features combine to reduce the amount of artificial air conditioning required for most of the year. Air cooling systems are included as part of luxury features for the hottest times of the year.

Rainwater is collected and re-used to irrigate gardens helping to conserve the use of water.

Photo voltaic cells located on the rooftops of buildings generate power form the sun reducing loads on hot water systems.

Incidental light is used to maintain high levels of natural light within the building reducing the need for artificial lighting and therefore reduce the amount of energy required.
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Size and Scale
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We have been keen to ensure that the development is of a size and scale that allows it to be comfortably integrated into the natural environment. Buildings are generally 2 or 3 storey high except for the 3 storey apartments at the east end of the beach. The hotel is 12 storeys high creating a feature at the west end of the beach.

Roof areas are typically landscaped to further integrate the buildings into the urban environment.

We have also configured the plan so that each building does not obstruct views from existing buildings to the beach. Vistas to the beach are created along streets and buildings are broken down to maximize these views.
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Density
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The primary objective has been to achieve a balanced development that on the one hand achieves commercial viability whilst being sensitive to the environment and maintaining the highest quality, both in overall arrangement of the masterplan and the individual buildings.

The proposed building density through its different functions seeks to encourage people to use the foreshore for both public and private uses
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Transport
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The spine of the main road acts as the distributor of traffic with carparking stations located at the east and western ends of the beach. Underground parking for the apartments is located at the east end of the beach. To the west the main road branches to a ring road where guests can be dropped off to the hotel or function centre. Adjacent to which is the main hotel and public parking stations.

General public parking is integrated within the natural environment along the main road at right angles to the beach. Trees, shrubs, and undulating grassed areas mask the parking areas. Bus stations are also located at east beach, middle beach and west beach.

The marinas both have facilities for Ferry services. Also available are the hirer of sailing boats, motor boats, kayaks and other water activities.
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Cross-Point Statement
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Cross-Point 1
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Wharf A is the main public marina. The marina is capable of holding 300 small to medium-size yachts and ferries and 50 big-size yachts and Ferries. From the main five star hotel building a seashore promenade extends from the yacht clubhouse all the way round to the southern point of the marina. The promenade has covered walkway areas, artwork, seating and landscape features. Panoramic views of the inner harbour can be seen along this walk and also spectacular views out towards the Yellow Sea. ????A????????????????????300?????????50?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
A large public square is located between the yacht clubhouse and the five-star hotel. This point acts as a pivot point opening up views towards the SLR Bathing beach in one direction and to the southern tip of the marina in the opposite direction. The strong ribbon landscaping pattern further strengthens and directs these views.
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The yacht clubhouse and five-star hotel provide a high quality contemporary service with a priority on providing an atmosphere with comfortable and luxurious surrounds.
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The cultural precinct has a museum, art gallery, café and souvenir shop. Originating from the cultural precinct and encouraged all the way along the beach promenade are seashore sculptures. These are external artworks that exhibit both local and international art. ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
A Culture plaza is located on the axis of the Laoshan district. The Ribbon-design landscape makes it an ideal place for public talks, forums and events. There is a stage at the south end of the plaza where people can watch performances such as dancing, theatre and music. The backdrop of which provides stunning layered views through beach artwork to mountain range to the Yellow Sea.
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Cross-Point 2
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The Seashore Promenade wraps around the coast line providing a place to walk and enjoy the beach and ocean views. It is also a place of rest and contemplation where you can appreciate the beauty of the textured landscape.
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The Seashore Plaza is a place to sit and relax with undercover protection. It is a health and fitness area with swimming pools, spas, massage, acupuncture and beauty salons. Also located in this area are a diverse range of restaurants and cafes catering for all types of indigenous foods and specializing in seafood delights.
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Cross-Point 3
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The apartment precint is located at the east end of the beach. The functional uses of the beach change from more public spaces at Cross – Point 1 to the more private intimate spaces of an apartment block with specialty retail and small marina at Cross-Point 3. The apartments are a high quality product with panoramic views both along the beach and out towards the Yellow Sea. The apartment block also feature a magnificent mountain range that protect the building to the north-east.
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Wharf B is the little brother of wharf A. It can hold 45 small to medium-size yachts and private moorings would be provided for the apartment residents. Like Wharf A the promenade opens up to views of the inner harbour, Yellow Sea and Mountain range.
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