Pavilion of Pastel Shadows by Studio 10 in Shenzhen
Studio 10’s innovative Pavilion merges nature and architecture, offering a tranquil retreat in Shiyaling Park in Shenzhen. By Nikitha Sunil Vallikad
Nestled at the base of Shiyaling Mountain, adjacent to the vibrant Dafen Oil Painting Village, the Pavilion of Pastel Shadows transcends its primary function as a public restroom. Designed by Studio 10, this innovative structure harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings, creating a serene rest stop for park visitors, athletes, and climbers.
Integrating Nature with Architecture
The Pavilion of Pastel Shadows is more than a mere public restroom; it is a thoughtful integration of architecture and nature. Located in Shiyaling Park, Longgang District, Shenzhen, the pavilion is surrounded by a lush, vegetated slope on one side and a bustling road with pedestrian traffic and sports facilities on the other. Six majestic trees form a canopy of green throughout the year, their branches intertwining with the pavilion’s design.
Studio 10’s principal-in-charge, Shi Zhou, explains, “The design of the Pavilion of Pastel Shadows draws inspiration from the shadows cast by the trees on the site. These abstract patterns create skylights and perforations that naturally illuminate and ventilate the pavilion.”
To preserve the site’s natural ecology, a detailed survey of the trees’ trunks and branches was conducted early in the planning process. The architectural layout is intentionally woven around these natural elements, with functional spaces strategically placed near the roadway and adjacent buildings to minimise disruption. The canopy connects all the discrete functional “boxes” while being strategically punctured to accommodate the trees’ branches, forming naturally shaped eaves.
Artistic Inspirations and Pastel Palette
The pavilion’s aesthetic is influenced by the nearby Dafen Oil Painting Village, renowned for its vibrant art scene. The use of neutral pastel colours and textures reflects the essence of oil paintings, allowing the pavilion to blend seamlessly into its green, mountainous backdrop. The pastel palette and stroke-like textures evoke the soft, ephemeral qualities of light and shadow, creating a calming atmosphere that enhances the pavilion’s connection to its natural environment.
Zhou elaborates, “The pastel palette and textures are inspired by Dafen’s artistic heritage. These gentle hues create a calming atmosphere that blends with the natural environment, bridging the natural landscape and the artistic community.”
Functional Design and User Experience
The Pavilion of Pastel Shadows addresses the challenges of functionality and aesthetics in public restrooms by creating a user-friendly and visually appealing space. Outdoor sinks and benches, crafted from the original tree pits, invite interaction and contemplation, allowing visitors to enjoy the mountain scenery, listen to birdsong, and hear the gentle sound of rainfall while relaxing or washing their hands.
The architectural design incorporates natural ventilation and lighting through skylights and perforations, preserving the play of light and shadow cast by the site’s trees. These design elements serve the practical purposes of lighting and ventilating the restrooms while poetically preserving the dynamic memory of light and shadow, offering glimpses of the lush canopies and dappling the interiors with speckles of green and light.
“The undulating canopy follows the tree lines, establishing a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature,” notes Zhou. “This design enhances the users’ experience and the pavilion’s connection to the natural environment at an intimate level.”
Impact and Community Contribution
Despite its small scale, the Pavilion of Pastel Shadows significantly enhances the local community and urban landscape of Shenzhen. It serves as a public retreat for rest, socialization, and contemplation, enriching the urban landscape and fostering a balanced relationship between the artistic and natural contexts of the area.
“The pavilion demonstrates how small-scale architecture can significantly reconnect humans with nature and enhance community life,” says Zhou. “It reflects Shenzhen’s blend of a fast-paced, tech-oriented urban lifestyle with opportunities for a slower, more natural, and artistic existence.”
The pavilion’s unorthodox handling of form and materials challenges and evokes reflections on conventional public restroom designs, promoting environmental sensitivity and reflection. By weaving around existing trees and incorporating skylights and openings inspired by the shadows cast by the trees, the pavilion creates a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, aligning with Studio 10’s philosophy of using architecture to connect human, natural, sociological, and cultural environments.
A Harmonious Blend of Art and Nature
The Pavilion of Pastel Shadows stands as a testament to Studio 10’s innovative approach to design, blending art, nature, and functionality. Its thoughtful integration of natural elements, inspired by the shadows cast by trees and the artistic heritage of Dafen Oil Painting Village, creates a serene and aesthetically pleasing rest stop in Shiyaling Park.
As Shenzhen continues to evolve, this pavilion invites visitors to experience the tranquil beauty of its surroundings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the harmonious coexistence of architecture and nature.
Project Details:
- Location: Shiyaling Park, Longgang District, Shenzhen
- Status: Completed Dec, 2023
- GFA: 136.7sqm
- Owner: Longgang District Urban Management and Comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau
- Architectural & Interior Design Consultant: Studio 10
- Principal-in-charge: Shi Zhou Design
- Photography: Chao Zhang
