The Volcano-In Visitor Center, conceptualized by PLAT ASIA, embodies a profound architectural response to its geological surroundings. Situated within a 150,000-year-old C-shaped extinct volcano, the project seamlessly blends with the natural contours of the Baiyinkulun Steppe. Its design prioritizes a harmonious coexistence between human intervention and the volcanic landscape, encouraging visitors to engage with the natural environment through carefully crafted pathways and viewpoints. The center serves as a testament to sustainable design, utilizing local materials and innovative construction methods to not only protect the site but also enhance its ecological resilience.
The facility represents the initial phase of the Baiyinkulun Steppe & Volcano Tourism Resort, a testament to thoughtful development in a unique natural setting. Its construction on a previously disturbed site showcases a commitment to environmental rehabilitation, transforming a scar on the landscape into a hub for appreciation and education. By integrating with the volcanic form through a curved roof structure and interconnected circular volumes, the building echoes the powerful geometry of its natural inspiration. This architectural marvel offers a holistic experience, allowing guests to explore exhibition areas, enjoy a cafe, and take in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding steppes, sandy lands, and lakes.
Architectural Integration and Environmental Sensitivity
PLAT ASIA's design for the Volcano-In Visitor Center showcases a deep understanding of its natural context. The project is an architectural intervention that respects and complements the geological features of the Baiyinkulun Steppe. By mirroring the C-shaped form of the extinct volcano and utilizing a curved roof structure with three circular volumes, the building creates a seamless spatial dialogue with its surroundings. This integration extends to the use of local volcanic stone and weather-resistant materials, ensuring the structure's resilience against the harsh temperate continental climate, characterized by strong winds and extreme cold. The visitor center acts as a gateway to the region's diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and lakes, while promoting ecological recovery and minimizing further environmental impact.
The core concept behind the visitor center revolves around the volcano as a dominant formal and experiential reference. The continuous, winding corridor, stretching 274 meters, allows visitors to embark on a journey that encircles the volcanic ash ring, offering curated views of the steppe, sandy land, and other volcanoes. This path leads to a crater-like enclosure housing essential visitor services, exhibition spaces, a cafe-bookstore, and administrative offices. The incorporation of outdoor spaces, such as a courtyard for temporary events and an open square for outdoor theater, further enhances the visitor experience, connecting people directly with the landscape. The building's curved profile and extended roof eaves are not merely aesthetic choices but functional elements designed to mitigate wind pressure, prevent snow accumulation, and protect outdoor areas, demonstrating a thoughtful response to the challenging climatic conditions of the Baiyinkulun region.
Sustainable Design and Ecological Preservation
The Volcano-In Visitor Center stands as a model of sustainable design, prioritizing ecological preservation and environmental resilience. Built on a previously excavated site, the project actively contributes to stabilizing the terrain and limiting further erosion. The architectural strategy focuses on a low-intervention approach, using locally sourced volcanic stone for pathways and public squares, which visually and materially integrates the structure with the volcanic ground. This commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by the building's robust construction, including weather-resistant metal panel cladding to ensure thermal performance against winter lows of -43°C, reducing energy consumption and maintaining indoor comfort.
Beyond its structural integrity, the center's design thoughtfully addresses visitor interaction with the fragile ecosystem. The controlled circulation path around the ash ring minimizes disturbance to the natural environment, while strategically placed glass curtain walls offer continuous visual connection between the interior and the external volcanic terrain without direct exposure. The provision of eco-bleachers on the eastern slope not only offers seating but also integrates seamlessly with the landscape, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature. This project exemplifies how modern architecture can serve as a catalyst for ecological awareness and preservation, providing public access and educational opportunities within a sensitive natural site while maintaining a minimal physical footprint.