Y TIME

Y TIME locates in the northern zone of Suzhou. Placed in a favorable natural environment with convenient traffic, the center aims to distinguish itself as a community landmark, a display center and an outstanding modern architecture. The architectural appearance consists of two irregular volumes that revolve, overlap and interact with one another. Some elements are presented repeatedly either in a similar or totally different manner. Time seems to stand still as visitors lose themselves in this ingeniously designed space. The revolving and overlapping building blocks make the architecture look multi-dimensional and stunning, as if a huge art museum was standing on the ground. Architects hope the building is just as impressive as an artistic sculpture that can be inscribed in everyone’s heart for long. Two building volumes are connected by a glass main entrance in the middle. Sunlight filters through the top of the transparent glass, bringing outdoor elements into the interior space and blurring the boundaries between them. “Sunshine” and “open space” have become integral parts of the urban public space, as well as the symbols of a certain spiritual pursuit and metaphor. Sunlight reaches inside through the clerestories, which creates a spatial relationship with visual connection between the interior space and natural daylight. By breaking the boundaries of the indoor and outdoor spaces, the sunlight gets people closer to the nature and conveys a harmonious atmosphere. The color of white dominates the whole building. It is pure enough to reinforce the perception of other colors in nature, and to a certain extent, it emphasizes the “emptiness” of the living art center. Materials, as the main component of the spatial characteristics, call for sharp sensitivity, rational reflection and practices. Before deciding which material to use, architects rely on digital modeling and a 1:1 life-sized replica to choose the color, size and texture of the material. The main materials used for the walls also need to be confirmed by painting on site. The simpler the white wall looks, the more efforts are required in design. Seen from a distance, the entire building is white, but if you get closer, you can notice stones of various sizes (400*1200, 800*1200 and 1000*1200) are connected by staggered joints. The building facade is built with open-end stone curtain wall, which is a new and advanced design concept and structure. This material can be adjusted in three directions, convenient to dismantle and install and easy to maintain. Besides, it is energy - conserving and safe to use while having a nice appearance. Meanwhile, fluocarbon coating spraying process is applied to the aluminum alloy material for the sake of long-lasting corrosion prevention and waterproof performance.