Rebirth Of The Rust Belt Conference Center Building

Rebirth Of The Rust Belt Conference Center Building

Rebirth of The Rust Belt Conference Center Building is an innovative architectural project located in Shenyang, China, that exemplifies the transformation of traditional industrial landscapes into modern civic spaces. This Silver A' Design Award-winning structure, designed by architects Xuhui Guo and Yong Liu, represents a thoughtful approach to urban renewal while preserving industrial heritage. The building, spanning 17,500 square meters with dimensions of 137m x 84m x 21m, is strategically divided into two distinct sections: a cylindrical conference area that pays homage to the site's industrial past through its form and texture, and an exhibition space featuring contemporary aluminum panel curtain walls that introduce a modern technological aesthetic. The design philosophy deliberately incorporates elements reminiscent of the area's industrial heritage, utilizing weathering steel plates and aluminum curtain walls to create a visual bridge between the past and present. The structure employs advanced sustainable technologies, including high-performance thermal insulation, energy-saving equipment, photovoltaic power generation, permeable pavement, sunken grassland, and water recycling systems, achieving a remarkable 72% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional buildings. The project, completed between October 2020 and August 2021, demonstrates exceptional architectural innovation through its reinforced concrete frame and steel grid frame construction, while providing generous outdoor spaces for public use. Its design approach diverges from typical Chinese conference centers by avoiding monumental scale and symmetrical layouts, instead embracing soft curved forms that create a more approachable and contextually sensitive public building.

architectural heritage, industrial transformation, sustainable design, urban renewal, public architecture, cultural preservation

— Adam Dawson