Panoramic views: Vanke Exhibition Center

In the summer of 2012, property developer Vanke Group commissioned Vector Architects to design an exhibition centre in a seashore park located in Bayuquan, east of China's capital. Along with accommodating typical office space, providing access to persons not working in the building was a particular concern.  

Thanks to the flat topography of the site on the coast of Liaodong Bay, the building offers magnificent views of its hinterland and the sea.  Now employees and visitors can enjoy the panorama from the large covered deck on its roof. It is hoped that making the space accessible to the public will have a positive marketing effect.  

Differentiating access and circulation play an important role in this respect; members of the public and tourists enter the building on a gently sloping ramp flanked by gingko trees, and continue up a series of stairs to the covered deck or the restaurant on the third floor. A separate route takes the employees through the building to their offices and roof terraces in contrast.  

Along with providing panoramic views, the covered deck on the roof of Vanke Exhibition Center acts as a setting for concerts and exhibitions of art.