ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
A NEW VISION FOR SCIENTIFIC ARCHITECTURE
TIANFU FUSION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTRE- SWIP / CSWADI
This project is the Tianfu Fusion Technology Research Centre of Southwest Institute of Physics( SWIP), China National Nuclear Corporation. The architectural design is carried out for the scientific-research mission of controllable nuclear fusion. Drawing inspiration from the physical essence of nuclear fusion and the“ Tianjing”( light well) of traditional Sichuan residences, the design adopts circles as the unifying motif for architecture and landscape alike, symbolizing the fundamental structure ranging from microscopic particles to the macroscopic universe.
The main research building is a circular-ring structure with a diameter of 100 meters, containing five floors above ground and one basement level. Centripetally arranged R & D units eliminate spatial hierarchy and distance disparities, creating an equal and free academic environment. At the building’ s core sits an hourglass-shaped hyperboloid light-well opening toward the sky— the“ Light Funnel”.
Boasting a trumpet profile that expands at the top and bottom while narrowing at the mid-section, the“ Light Funnel” penetrates from the roof down to the first basement level. It opens upward toward the sky and stretches downward toward the ground. Inside are a central garden and an underground multifunctional circular hall. Radial pedestrian bridges connect to the circular main research building, forming an iconic scene full of futuristic character.
Edge-courtyard coffee lounges and landscape stairs are distributed across each floor. Taking advantage of the long continuous overhanging balconies along the outer perimeter, the design accommodates both focused scientific research and informal idea-sharing. Meanwhile the balconies deliver solar shading to optimize indoor light-thermal conditions and frame views over the Longquan Mountains.
The project had to overcome technical difficulties including the large-span hourglass-shaped cablemembrane atrium structure and mechanical-electrical pipeline routing under the radial ring beam-column system. Engineers realized the form of the“ Light Funnel” by applying pre-stressed high-vanadium cables, ETFE membranes, perforated aluminum panels, and rhombic enamel-printed glass balustrades. The building integrates stack ventilation, natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting and reclaimed-water reuse, as well as annular rooftop photovoltaic panels and other green technologies to achieve eco-friendly and low-carbon performance.
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