Haikou Trade Center

The architects of the AOE bureau turned to deconstructionism during the design of the new trade center in Haikou.

The duty-free shopping center in Haikou does not look like a store, it is easy to confuse it with a gallery or an art center. This is because the building is located in the new Binhai district, which is the economic and cultural center of the city. For example, the famous futuristic library and the Exploratorium Museum are located here.

The architects used deconstructivist techniques in the project — for example, one of the walls was reorganized and several blocks were integrated into it to add volume. Such elements, according to the bureau, turn the building into a work of art.

In addition, the architects took into account the climatic conditions: it is warm and sunny in Haikou almost all year round, so they made the facade refreshingly white and bright. So, a large area of a light wall has become a kind of canvas, which instead of paints is “decorated” with shadows.

Functionally, the facility is divided into two parts — marketing and investment zones. To make them independent, the bureau arranged the volumes of the building in the shape of the letter L. So, the marketing department stretched along the main road and became more open to the public. While the investment department, on the contrary, is hidden from prying eyes to ensure maximum confidentiality.

Nevertheless, the building is still open to the city — cultural and social events are held here. Visitors enter the building through a cylinder made of titanium-zinc plates and can climb the stairs directly to the terrace, which overlooks the courtyard and the surrounding area.