Linked Hybrid
Steven Holl Architects

June 07, 2010 /

Beijing, China

Photo © Iwan Baan

The Linked Hybrid complex in Beijing aims to counter the current privatized urban developments in China by creating a twenty-first century porous urban space - inviting and open to the public from every side.

The urban experience of space, through multifaceted spatial layers, makes the Linked Hybrid an "open city within a city." The project promotes interactive relations and encourages encounters in the public spaces.

Photo © Iwan Baan

Photo © Iwan Baan

The ground level contains micro-urbanisms of small scale shops surrounding the large grey-water recycling pond with water lilies and grasses. In the winter the pool freezes to become an ice-skating rink. On the intermediate level of the lower buildings, public roof gardens offer tranquil green spaces, and at the top of the eight residential towers private roof gardens are connected to the penthouses.

Photo © Iwan Baan

Photo © Iwan Baan

From the 12th to the 18th floor a multi-functional series of sky bridges with a swimming pool, a fitness room, a café, and a gallery, connects the eight residential towers and the hotel tower, and offers views over the city.

Photo © Iwan Baan

Photo © Iwan Baan

The polychrome of Chinese Buddhist architecture inspires a chromatic dimension. The undersides of the bridges and cantilevered portions are colored membranes that glow with projected nightlight and the window jambs are colored by chance operations, based on the "Book of Changes," with colors found in ancient temples.
/Steven Holl

Photo © Iwan Baan

The cinematheque is not only a gathering venue but also a visual focus to the area. The cinematheque architecture floats on its reflection in the shallow pond, and projections on its facades indicate films playing within. The first floor of the building, with views over the landscape, is left open to the community.

Photo © Iwan Baan

Photo © Iwan Baan

Geo-thermal wells provide Linked Hybrid with cooling in summer and heating in winter, and make Linked Hybrid one of the largest green residential projects.

Linked Hybrid contains 644 apartments.

Photo courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsAerial View

Drawing courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsSite Plan

Sketch courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsFloating landscape

Sketch courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsConcept

courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsConcept Sketch

Sketch courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsPool Sketch

Model photo courtesy Steven Holl Architects

Drawing courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsGround Floor Plan

Drawing courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsTypical Floor Plan

Drawing courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsSection A - A

Drawing courtesy Steven Holl ArchitectsSection B - B