Celebrating Suzhou’s Heritage: ARTS Plaza by Atelier HAY + Drury University

Situated in Suzhou, a city renowned for its intricate network of canals, the ARTS Plaza pays homage to this rich heritage. Serving as both essential infrastructure and public space framework for centuries, Suzhou’s canals inspired the design of this remarkable plaza. Originally commissioned as roof skylights for an underground badminton hall in a newly constructed business district, the ARTS Plaza has evolved into a vibrant public space.

Innovative Design Integration

The plaza’s design ingeniously extends beyond its original purpose. Structural steel plates supporting the skylight glass panels are extended to create oversized steel gutters, which are folded into landscape features. Alongside each folded trench, wooden benches adorn the steel ledges, reminiscent of the historical canals that define Suzhou. Celebrating rainwater flow and offering a permanent public space, these steel trenches embody the spirit of Suzhou’s waterways. An elevated wooden platform between the skylights serves as both a children’s playground and an urban stage, enhancing the plaza’s versatility.

Symbolism in Materials

Symbolism permeates the choice of materials used in the plaza’s construction. Representing the five Chinese elements, including steel, solid wood, pebbles, stone inlays, and bamboo, each material contributes to the plaza’s cultural narrative. The steel plates, meticulously bent and laser-cut in a nearby shipyard, were welded on-site by skilled seasonal workers. Meanwhile, FSC-certified wood bench tops were handcrafted in a village 40 miles from the site, highlighting a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship.

Transforming Privately Owned Space

As nearby developments, such as a subway station and street-level stores, continue to unfold, the ARTS Plaza is poised to become a bustling hub of activity. What was once a privately owned space will soon be transformed into a vibrant public plaza, serving as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in revitalizing urban areas.