1 Jun 2026
,Germany
The architecture firm MVRDV has completed the Pujiang Platform observation deck in the hills south of Chengdu. The project combines an arched wooden pavilion with landscape design, functioning both as a tourist attraction and as an event space set within the natural environment of central China.
Pujiang Platform is shaped by a system of wooden arches arranged in a “telescopic” composition: the elements appear to guide visitors toward a large panoramic window and a balcony that projects over the slope. The project also expands the local trail network by adding several routes leading to the viewpoint. A winding staircase plays a key role in wayfinding and spatial experience, incorporating an additional lookout platform along the way.
The pavilion is built on a timber structural system. Entry is provided through a small glazed façade on the southeast side. The interior is adapted to the terrain: the roof gradually rises while the floor slopes downward, following the contours of the hillside. Two large sliding doors open the interior to the outdoor balcony, allowing it to function as an extension of the space—for viewing the landscape as well as hosting events.
In addition to the main viewpoint, the project includes a circular secondary observation platform offering 360-degree views of both distant mountains and the surrounding landscape.
According to the designers, the timber structure helps reduce embodied carbon emissions. To improve energy efficiency, several passive strategies were employed: an earth berm and surrounding vegetation provide additional insulation and thermal mass, while the ceiling is designed to support natural ventilation. Solar heat gain is minimized through the north-facing orientation of the main window, extended roof overhangs, and trees shading the smaller entrance façade.
Pujiang Platform illustrates an approach in which architecture becomes a sequence of movement toward the landscape. The “telescopic” arches, multiple routes, and layered viewing points create a coherent spatial narrative—from the trail to the panorama.
