Sitting near the base of the Qiantang River dam, the gallery is located in a unique wetland zone. The center serves a transitional role between nature and the urban environment, and offers explicit guidance to public visiting the site. Minimizing impact to the wetland, the built area occupies a minimal site footprint, which is the primary goal of the design - not to disturb the existing ecology.
The site is connecting the outside world solely by the municipal boulevard on the west. An obelisk positioned along the road signifies the axis to the site. This boulevard terminates at a green junction which diverts people, either turning them back or leading them into the site across a bridge. The building arrangements are kept deliberately low, thereby views in all directions are guaranteed. Partially covered exterior terraces extend into the wetlands from three interconnected glazed pavilions, and naturally guide people to enter the glass envelopes. The natural landscape is invited into and integrated with the open plan pavilions their natural wood exterior decks.
Appearing to float above the water, the transparent glass facades will be covered by network of greenery on the trellised rooftop, screening the sunlight into the space.
