A “single unifying canopy” connects the four volumes of the Jinji Lake Pavilion, designed by Danish studio BIG as a nod to its tree-planted site in Suzhou, China.
Overlooking Jinji Lake, the 1,200-square-meter building features four metal-clad public spaces, arranged around a central courtyard where locals can gather.
A Family of Public Rooms Under a Canopy
The Jinji Lake Pavilion, designed by BIG in collaboration with local studio Arts Group, comprises a cafe, boutique, restaurant, and visitor center with expansive openings. Draped over the spaces is an undulating roof finished with perforated glass tiles, which draw dappled light into the interior, mirroring the surrounding trees.
Bjarke Ingels, the founder of BIG, described the pavilion as “a family of public rooms arranged under a single unifying canopy.” Studio partner Catherine Huang noted that it provides “a tranquil space for the community,” nestled under the grand camphor trees along the lake, and is envisioned as “an extension of the surrounding canopy of foliage.”
Pixelated Glass Roof and Traditional Chinese Influence
The pavilion’s glass roof tiles are designed to resemble “pixelated leaves” and consist of two perforated layers. BIG drew inspiration from traditional Chinese teahouses, replacing the glazed ceramic tiled roof with glass tiles, achieving lightness and transparency while blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The perforated plates cast shadows resembling leaves, optimizing thermal performance while blending beauty and functionality.
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Interior and Connectivity
BIG carved double-height openings throughout the pavilion to create sheltered corridors connecting the four spaces around the central courtyard. Expansive glazed facades offer views of the lake and the courtyard. Steel surfaces reflect light, while tiled flooring is used both inside and outside.
Part of Suzhou’s Vibrant Lakeside Initiative
The Jinji Lake Pavilion is one of 11 permanent pavilions developed as part of Suzhou’s initiative to create a “vibrant and welcoming promenade” along the freshwater lake. Another pavilion, designed by Galaxy Arch, features a wooden cabin with a curved roof and large overhangs.
BIG’s pavilion is located adjacent to the ongoing Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art, which is topped with curved metal roofs and is scheduled to be completed this year.
Photos: StudioSZ
