Flowing Gardens: the plans for Xi’an International Horticultural Expo 2011

Flowing Gardens is the title of a unique project, the result of a winning competition proposal by Plasma Studio made a reality in collaboration with sustainable landscape design practice GroundLab for the Xi’an International Horticultural Exposition 2011 - though the project is designed to outlast the event.

Flowing Gardens is made up of three related structures and gardens. The Guangyun Entrance building and bridge is a network of fine steel frames which vault the visitor within sight of the second structure: the Theme Pavilion.

The Theme Pavilion sits on the edge of Chan-Ba Lake and rests as three parallel volumes within the landscape. Ramps enable the visitor to move through the different levels of the pavilion and onto the roof. The generous interior spaces punctuated by concrete and locally sourced bronze hover as they cantilever over the lake and lead to piers for visitor boats to cross the water to reach the third structure: The Greenhouse.

Having arrived at the Greenhouse by boat, visitors have to seek out the partially buried entrance which leads through a concealed cut in the earth to emerge in a light filled cavernous reception space and along a series of paths of different climatic zones each with their own native corresponding plant life. 

Flowing Gardens is a project designed to outlast the six month event and be continually enjoyed.

Andrea Klettner is a freelance journalist and the editor of Love London Council Housing