Cotton Park / AIM Architecture

Architects: AIM Architecture
Area: 1500 m²
Year: 2023
Photography: Dirk Weiblen
Lead Architects: Wendy Saunders, Vincent de Graaf
Design Team Leader: Chris Cheng
Design Team: Emilio Wang Chen, Jin Kang, Jo Jiao, Laile Li, Luqian Lin, Zheng Wei
Visualization: Steve Do, Yan Jiao
FF&E Team: Lili Cheng, Weisha Dai
General Contractor: Shanghai Dong Yuan Construction & Renovation Co., Ltd.
Structure Consultant: Bespoke
Climate Consultant: Paul de Vreede
Display Supplier: Yangyu Architectural Construction Co., Ltd.
Lighting Supplier: Shanghai Lemida Lighting Design & Engineering Co., Ltd.
City: Changzhou
Country: China

Cotton Park, a community project in Changzhou, China, designed by AIM Architecture, revitalizes four oil tanks to foster community engagement and cultural events. Completed in 2023, the design preserves the tanks’ industrial heritage while integrating modern sustainable features. The project includes a central path through the silos, glass houses for controlled climates, and strategic use of materials to honor local history. The design enhances natural light, air convection, and community connectivity, creating a versatile urban space.

Changzhou, an ancient city with a history of more than 3,000 years, has reached over One Trillion in GDP since 2023. It has transformed into a captivating destination, embracing a more intimate city experience and prioritizing quality over quantity. This community project by Cotton Park regenerates four oil tanks, aligning with the aspiration to bring urban spaces to life.

The project aims to revitalize the city and foster community engagement by creating a gathering place for various cultural events. The four tanks, initially designed for industrial purposes, possess a unique quality due to their original function.

During the first site visit, a ray of sunlight descended from the top of the silos, casting an ellipse of light on the stained walls. This moment highlighted the project’s essence: preserving the tank walls and utilizing the ethereal lighting from above. This decision was influenced by sustainability concerns and respect for the local industry’s historical heritage.

The design connects the four silos by carving a path through their center, enabling visitors to experience diverse programs within each tank. Glass houses placed in two silos allow visitors to appreciate the internal character while maintaining a controlled climate.

The openings at the top of the silos create natural air convection, preventing overheating in the summer. Heating and cooling infrastructure is integrated into the floors, keeping the industrial structures free from visible technology.

One silo remains largely untouched and unprogrammed, allowing light and height to showcase its original power, making it an extension of the park.

Inspired by the local canal, the design introduces a material paying homage to the steel barges transporting red bricks, supporting China’s development. These bricks are used in the restaurant silo, forming pathways adjacent to the curved inner walls, grounding the site within its surroundings.

Cutting the silo’s skin provided material for the walkway, reducing the need for new resources. This connection links the tanks with the park, where a circular climbing structure and park-facing terraces enhance community engagement and attraction.