Wutopia Lab Conjures 'Three Mountains and A Sea' in Hainan

Located in Coffee Village, Hainan, ‘Flickering Peak’ transforms the Sun River Art Center into a playful world of light and space.

Art
702 0 Comments

Wutopia Lab’s ‘Flickering Peak’ is a playful convergence of light and space. The architectural project was completed in Coffee Village, Hainan, reimagining the Sun River Art Center into ‘three mountains and a sea’, a loose translation from a classical Taoist story. The central and auxiliary buildings of the art center, cloaked in a white semi-transparent facade, create three peaks in the distance. Situated at the heart of the island, an artificial sea cradles the entrance of the art center to satiate the desire for an ocean view.

The project is a marriage of history and modern architecture, serving as a rich site for cultural significance. Coffee Village was once home to a plantation established by overseas Chinese workers returning from Indonesia. The land’s history of struggle and exile transformed into a beacon of hope for a prosperous future, serving as a point of inspiration for Wutopia Lab.

The semi-transparent shells of ‘Flickering Peak’ find refuge in soft geometry. The group sought to create a new visual language that combines natural elements and existing structural parameters, working within lush surroundings and the original foundation of the building. In place of traditional perforated aluminum, the structure’s white Ferrari panels offer dimensional stability.

The combination of natural and architectural elements forms an interplay of space and light. The name borrows from the varying levels of transparency on the buildings’ exterior, which create a flickering effect under the sun. By day, the light against the building reflects a sense of softness and sanctity. By night, vibrant colors emanate from the heart of the art center. Taking cues from the old and new, strong and subtle, dynamic and still, ‘Flickering Peak’ mirrors the spirit of miracles and hope from its local community.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Check Out This Contemporary Jazz Club in Georgia’s Mountains
Design

Check Out This Contemporary Jazz Club in Georgia’s Mountains

Housed within a lakeside resort in the mountains.

Ai Weiwei Ponders on Surveillance Systems in Three New Lithographic Prints
Art

Ai Weiwei Ponders on Surveillance Systems in Three New Lithographic Prints

Made in collaboration with JRP Editions.

New Balance 1906R Surfaces in a Clean "Sea Salt/Grey" Iteration
Footwear

New Balance 1906R Surfaces in a Clean "Sea Salt/Grey" Iteration

Arriving in the coming months.


Kengo Kuma Presents a Creative Co-Working and Cafe Facility in the Heart of Okayama
Design

Kengo Kuma Presents a Creative Co-Working and Cafe Facility in the Heart of Okayama

With CLT panels fitted throughout.

Nike and Phaidon Announce 'Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good: Nike Apparel' Book
Fashion

Nike and Phaidon Announce 'Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good: Nike Apparel' Book

With more than 350 pages and 575 pictures, the binding illustrates the connection between female-identifying athletes and their wardrobes.

Aimé Leon Dore Teases Potential New Balance 997 Project
Footwear

Aimé Leon Dore Teases Potential New Balance 997 Project

Highlighted within their Fall/Winter 2024 lookbook starring Mach-Hommy.

Official Images of the Nike Gato
Footwear

Official Images of the Nike Gato

The futsal-oriented silhouette returns in this “White Gum” composition at the end of the year.

Victor Solomon Unveiled a Curved Mirror Backboard
Art

Victor Solomon Unveiled a Curved Mirror Backboard

“The game’ll change how you see the world.”

Closer Look at the Air Jordan 17 Low "UNC"
Footwear

Closer Look at the Air Jordan 17 Low "UNC"

Priced at $300 USD, the pair is accompanied by a special silver briefcase.


Reigning Champ Hits the Field for "Japan Indigo Series"
Fashion

Reigning Champ Hits the Field for "Japan Indigo Series"

Reworking vintage baseball jerseys in Japanese denim.

Take a Look Inside Gentle Monster’s Futuristic Las Vegas Store
Design

Take a Look Inside Gentle Monster’s Futuristic Las Vegas Store

Visitors will be greeted by the eerie “Giant Head Trio.”

High Museum of Art Spotlights Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys' Dean Collection
Art

High Museum of Art Spotlights Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys' Dean Collection

A trove of monumental works that focus on Black diasporic artists across generations.

Arc’teryx and Salomon Owner Amer Sports Reports 16% Uptick in Sales for Q2
Fashion

Arc’teryx and Salomon Owner Amer Sports Reports 16% Uptick in Sales for Q2

The company’s revenue rose to $994 million USD over the past quarter.

Daily Paper Keeps It Real in "Sensory Overload" FW24 Collection
Fashion

Daily Paper Keeps It Real in "Sensory Overload" FW24 Collection

Tapping into a feeling many of us know all too well.

More ▾
 
We got you covered. Don’t miss out on the latest news by signing up for our newsletters.