TAG translates mountain geometries into architecture with red village observatory
Briefly

Red Village Observatory in Panzhihua, China, designed by TAG, exemplifies a unique blend of vernacular architecture and modern design. It integrates with the rugged terrain and terraced fields of Yishala Village, breaking the building into four stepped volumes to reflect the village's fragmented nature. The use of raw concrete, built by local craftspeople, eschews polish for authenticity, with imperfections highlighted as part of its character. Sunlight and shadow play a vital role in the structure, with angular overhangs and narrow skylights defining the interplay between the indoors and the outdoor environment.
The Red Village Observatory, designed by TAG, is a sculptural homage to vernacular architecture, integrating seamlessly with the rugged landscape of Yishala, China.
The architects embraced the imperfections of raw concrete, celebrating uneven joints and color variations, making the roughness an integral part of the building’s identity.
By breaking the structure into four stepped volumes, the design reflects the fragmented, layered experience of Yishala, connecting the observatory back to the essence of the village.
Sunlight is treated as a crucial building material, with strategic overhangs and skylights that intricately interplay with the structure's shadows throughout the day.
Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine
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