Danish architecture firm BIG has unveiled the Jinji Lake Pavilion, a striking waterfront structure in Suzhou, China. Designed in collaboration with local studio Arts Group, the 1,200-square-meter pavilion blends contemporary design with traditional Chinese influences.
A Unified Space Beneath a Floating Canopy
The pavilion consists of four interconnected volumes housing a café, boutique, restaurant, and visitor center. These spaces are arranged around a central courtyard, creating a welcoming gathering place for the community.
Above them, a single sweeping roof—clad in perforated glass tiles—ties the structures together. This design allows natural light to filter through, casting dappled patterns reminiscent of the surrounding camphor trees. The concept draws inspiration from both nature and the tiled roofs of traditional Chinese teahouses.
Blurring the Line Between Indoors and Outdoors
Expansive openings connect the pavilion’s interior with the lakefront and the courtyard, reinforcing a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Double-height passageways create sheltered corridors that enhance accessibility between spaces. Meanwhile, steel surfaces reflect light, and tiled flooring extends from the interiors to the exterior, strengthening the pavilion’s visual cohesion.
According to studio founder Bjarke Ingels, the design merges heritage with innovation. “We took the glazed ceramic tiled roof of traditional teahouses and reinterpreted it with actual glass tiles,” he explained. “This elevates transparency and lightness while blending poetic beauty with functionality.”
A Key Landmark in Suzhou’s Waterfront Development
Jinji Lake Pavilion is part of a larger city initiative to create a vibrant and inviting promenade. It is one of 11 permanent pavilions designed to enhance the lakeside experience. Nearby, BIG is also working on the Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art, which is set to open later this year.
By seamlessly integrating nature, tradition, and modern materials, the Jinji Lake Pavilion stands as a testament to innovative urban design. Its thoughtful approach transforms a public space into a tranquil yet dynamic environment for visitors and locals alike.
