Pujiang Platform / MVRDV
But here's the core idea: a lightweight, hillside viewing pavilion that merges with its landscape while offering a striking beacon for visitors. MVRDV’s Pujiang Platform is an earth-covered timber pavilion perched among the southern hills near Chengdu. It functions as both a public viewing point and an event space, designed to showcase central China’s dramatic natural beauty while remaining sensitive to its surroundings. The architecture unfolds with a telescoping, arch-and-earth form that invites visitors toward a generous viewing window and a balcony that projects outward over the slope, providing expansive views without overpowering the scenery.
Project details at a glance:
- Client: Pujiang County Planning and Resources Bureau
- Co-Architect: Sichuan Provincial Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd
- Contractor: Chengdu Third Construction Engineering Of CDCEG
- Size: 414 m², designated as an event pavilion and viewing platform
- Sustainability: China Green Building Label — 2 Stars
- Location: Jinhua (Pujiang County area)
- Team: Founding Partner In Charge Jacob van Rijs; Partner Wenchian Shi; Director Mvrdv Shanghai Peter Chang; Design Team including Kyo Suk Lee, Olga Marelja, Geert Folmer, and others
- Visualisation: A. Luca Coco, A. La Delfa, F. Yassa, L. D’Alessandro, and more
- Copyright: MVRDV, Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, Nathalie de Vries
What makes Pujiang Platform notable
- It interprets the idea of a lookout within a natural hillside setting, using a timber frame enveloped in earth so the pavilion almost appears to emerge from the terrain.
- From afar, the structure acts as a visual beacon, while up close, it reads as a warm, tactile shelter that seats visitors for public events or quiet contemplation.
- The design prioritizes minimal visual intrusion, aiming to balance accessibility, sustainability, and landscape integrity.
If you’re new to how architecture can harmonize with nature, Pujiang Platform offers a clear example: build with materials that echo the site’s own palette, shape the form so it follows the slope rather than fighting it, and create a generous window that invites a direct, uninterrupted connection to the landscape.
Discussion prompts:
- Should public pavilions prioritize blending into the landscape, or should they intentionally contrast to draw more attention?
- In what ways can timber and earth-based construction influence the perceived warmth and accessibility of a viewing platform?
- How might events held at such a site impact the surrounding environment, and what design strategies best mitigate negative effects?
Original project references:
- ArchDaily profile and project page: Pujiang Platform / MVRDV
- Related categories: Watching Tower, China-focused projects
- Project specs include: 414 m² area, 2024 completion, China Green Building Label 2 Stars
For further context, ArchDaily’s coverage shows Pujiang Platform as part of MVRDV’s broader portfolio of site-responsive, public-facing architectures that leverage simple geometries and natural materials to create meaningful local experiences.
