Earth Park

Earth Park

Design: 2022

Nestled in a tributary of the Anning River in Sichuan’s Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, the Hua Hai Gao Earth Park Natural Art Gallery is a striking blend of architecture and landscape. Carefully shaped in response to the site’s undulating, rocky topography, the building appears to rise from the ancient river valley. Inspired by the eroded shape of river boulders, the Natural Art Gallery consists of three discrete concrete shell volumes that appear to float above a recontoured river bed. These volumes house the exhibition spaces, combining art and nature to showcase the natural beauty of the river and the future Haihuagou Earth Park development.

Approaching the Natural Art Gallery via a pedestrian foot bridge that connects to the roof of the reception and exhibition hall, visitors experience a sense of physical and mental separation from the busy access road. While crossing the entry bridge, visitors are then immersed in views of the river upstream, where water is quietly diverted via a hidden ballast valve. From there, the stream flows gently from each successive concrete roof vessel in a series of controlled cascades, eventually falling down as curtains of water around programmed areas.

Within the Natural Art Gallery, expansive curved glass enclosures physically and visually open to 180-degree views of the river valley. Pools of varying depths respond to seasonal changes in the river’s edge, creating evolving experiences throughout the year. The result is a dynamic destination that brings visitors closer to the wonders of nature on each successive visit.

Project Gallery