Dalian Women & Children's Centre - China
DMA were invited to enter an international design competition for this project in 2011. The sloping site overlooks Bohai bay to the south and we located the building to take advantage of this aspect and shield outdoor spaces from the cold northern winds.
Our concept is derived from Mao Zedong's statement "women hold up half the sky". A large curved roof (the sky) is supported by elegant freeform columns (women) providing a sheltered space for women and children's activities below. Skylights in the roof represent the opening of the sky to let in light (knowledge).
This form of building also has practical benefits allowing fast erection of the external skin to enable construction during the severe winter weather. The atrium and voids induce vertical air movement and coupled with opening windows and skylight air extraction vents, the heating and cooling requirements will be reduced considerably.
(c) 2012 DMA Group Architects