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.
![_Dwp5611__Hq Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5611__HQ.jpg)
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.
![_Dwp5317__Hq Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5317__HQ.jpg)
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.
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 1 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP4558__HQ.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 2 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP4584__HQ.jpg)
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.
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 3 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3877__HQ.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 4 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3333-X__HQ.jpg)
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.
![_Dwp4291__Hq Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP4291__HQ.jpg)
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.
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 5 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3464__HQ.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 6 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3340__HQ.jpg)
One silo remains largely untouched and unprogrammed, allowing light and height to showcase its original power, making it an extension of the park.
![_Dwp3577__Hq Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3577__HQ.jpg)
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.
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 7 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP4183__HQ.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 8 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5334__HQ.jpg)
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.
![_Dwp5292__Hq Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5292__HQ.jpg)
Project Gallery
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 9 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3333-X__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 10 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5611__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 11 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5604__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 12 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5572__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 13 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5352__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 14 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5334__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 15 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5317__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 16 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP5292__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 17 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP4584__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 18 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP4558__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 19 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3340__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 20 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP4291__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 21 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP4183__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 22 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP4101__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 23 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3877__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 24 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3577__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 25 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3568__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 26 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3464__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 27 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3424__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 28 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DWP3352__HQ-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 29 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-13-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 30 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-17-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 31 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-9-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 32 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-6-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 33 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-5-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 34 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-4-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 35 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-16-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 36 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-15-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 37 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-8-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 38 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-12-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 39 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-11-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 40 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-7-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 41 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-10-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 42 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-14-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 43 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-3-500x500.jpg)
![Cotton Park / Aim Architecture 44 Cotton park / aim architecture](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cotton_Park_Drawings-1-500x500.jpg)
Project Location
Address: Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
Location is for general references and may represent city or country, not necessarily a precise address.