The Zijing International Conference Center is a complex located in the mountains west of Jingdezhen, China. Inspired by the local ancient villages, the architects designed the complex to be scattered and porous, with many functions such as conferences and accommodation housed in small-scale single buildings that are naturally embedded in the natural mountains and rivers.
The arch-beam structural units can be replicated and superimposed, and they constantly change with the mountain. This creates many holes and gaps between the structures, allowing natural light to penetrate into the interior of the building, breaking the conventional black space meeting mode.
Artificial flood lighting, hidden from view between the vaulted ceiling and skylights, mimics natural lighting with a neutral white color temperature. The reflected light provides ambient illumination for the space below, creating a lantern-like effect when viewed from the outside.
Beneath the vaulted roof of the first unit, which comprises several large and medium-sized conference units, stand several concrete columns of varying cross-sections. These columns are positioned in front of the main entrance in a seemingly random manner, their width and narrowness changing as the viewing angle shifts. The oblique light passing through the hard, rounded columns is captured as a warm, glazed luster on the concrete surface, creating an interplay of light and shadow. At night, in-ground lighting fixtures selectively illuminate the columns, creating a sense of drama and mystery through precise light distribution.
The upward light reflected from the curved top surface provides soft, indirect illumination to the entrance space below, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The absence of downlights allows the concrete vault to appear more monolithic and uninterrupted.
The lighting master plan and hierarchy played a crucial role in creating a cohesive and diverse complex. By varying the height and intensity of lighting along paths and nodes, a pleasant journey is created from the site entrance to the buildings. Careful selection of specific trees and landscape features further accentuates the tranquil atmosphere in a subtle manner.
By directing luminaires downwards in landscaped fields, the amount of spill light reaching the night sky is reduced. This not only helps to decrease light pollution and energy consumption, but also preserves the natural beauty of the night.
Furthermore, by limiting the illuminated elements on the site, a more harmonious and peaceful environment is created that coexists more closely with nature.
