©王尚
The Phoenix Terrace is located on Changsha Island in the center of Taihu Lake, Suzhou. It is situated at the southern end of Bridge No. 1 of the Taihu Bridge and serves as the connecting island between Bridge No. 1 and Bridge No. 2, making it a necessary passage to Xishan. Changsha Island is one of the islands in the east and west of Taihu Lake. The island is surrounded by the lake on all sides and resembles a phoenix from above, which is how Phoenix Terrace got its name.
凤凰台位于苏州太湖中心的长沙岛上。它位于太湖大桥一号桥南端，是一号桥和二号桥的连接岛，是通往西山的必经通道。长沙岛是太湖东西岛屿之一。该岛四面环湖，俯视如一只凤凰，凤凰台由此得名。
©王尚
Originally a scenic spot, Phoenix Terrace covers an area of eight acres and features a compact yet intricate design. The garden includes various attractions such as Yuebo Bridge, Misty Rain Pavilion, Shuofan Tower, Fengqi Pavilion, and Small Stone Mountain House. However, it is currently in a state of disrepair. The old concrete roof and beams are only partially damaged, with the overall structure remaining relatively intact.
凤凰台原是一个风景区，占地八亩，设计紧凑而精致。园内有月波桥、烟雨亭、硕梵塔、风起亭、小石山房等多个景点。然而，目前它处于年久失修的状态。旧的混凝土屋顶和横梁仅部分受损，整体结构保持相对完好。
©王尚
Situated on the picturesque shores of Taihu Lake, this site offers not only an excellent vantage point for viewing the scenery but also holds rich cultural and historical significance. From Phoenix Terrace, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the lake's natural beauty and experience the harmonious blend of nature and history.
该遗址坐落在风景如画的太湖之滨，不仅具有绝佳的观赏风景的有利位置，而且具有丰富的文化和历史意义。站在凤凰台，游客可以将湖光山色尽收眼底，体验自然与历史的和谐融合。
©王尚
Design concept 设计理念
We tread in the footsteps of the past, connecting beauty, faith, and art, transforming the architectural space of the past into a modern form that will never change or be destroyed. Ruins serve as markers, remnants, and imprints; they speak of foundations and truths. They are beacons, fundamental points guiding our design and choices.
我们踏着过去的脚步，连接着美、信仰和艺术，将过去的建筑空间转变成永远不会改变、不会被破坏的现代形式。废墟充当标记、遗迹和印记；他们谈论基础和真理。它们是灯塔，是指导我们设计和选择的基本点。
©王尚
The core concept of this renovation project is the "juxtaposition of history and future." The design team aims to breathe new life into this historic building through modern design techniques. They have chosen weathering steel and black steel as the primary materials. The natural rust effect of the weathering steel complements the rustic texture of the stone, creating a striking contrast and harmonious unity that preserves the building's historical feel while imparting a modern touch. This project will become a renowned and prestigious landmark around Taihu Lake and the Yangtze River Delta region. It aims to create a Taihu Resort Area that integrates cultural tourism, luxury clubs, cafes, and artistic and cultural creation.
本次改造项目的核心理念是“历史与未来的并置”。设计团队旨在通过现代设计手法为这座历史建筑注入新的生命。他们选择耐候钢和黑钢作为主要材料。耐候钢的自然生锈效果与石材的质朴纹理相得益彰，形成鲜明的对比和和谐的统一，保留了建筑的历史感，同时赋予了现代气息。该项目将成为环太湖及长三角地区享誉盛名的地标建筑。旨在打造集文化旅游、豪华会所、咖啡馆、艺术文创于一体的太湖度假区。
©王尚
When taking on this project, vegetation had already taken over the entire structure, growing between the cracks in the stone. In terms of spatial design, the architects chose not to completely remove this "plant armor" that had developed over time. Instead, they decided to respect it, viewing it as "an integral part of the historical monument" that protected the building from collapse during its period of vacancy. The design process integrated the greenery and landscape elements surrounding the building, enhancing the harmony between the structure and its natural environment.
在进行这个项目时，植被已经占据了整个结构，在石头的裂缝之间生长。在空间设计上，建筑师选择不完全去除这种随着时间的推移而形成的“植物铠甲”。相反，他们决定尊重它，将其视为“历史古迹的一个组成部分”，以保护建筑物在空置期间免于倒塌。设计过程整合了建筑周围的绿化和景观元素，增强了建筑与自然环境的和谐。
©王尚
The original Chinese octagonal pavilions were removed and transformed into three spiraling towers, symbolizing the convergence and elevation of history and modernity. The spiral structures not only create a strong visual impact but also guide visitors upward, allowing them to experience changes and extensions in space. Additionally, the internal space layout was optimized, and the flow within the building was reimagined. This redesign ensures that the café is not just a place for relaxation but also a space for cultural exchange and experience.
原有的中式八角亭被拆除，改造成三座螺旋塔，象征着历史与现代的交汇和提升。螺旋结构不仅产生强烈的视觉冲击力，还引导游客向上，体验空间的变化和延伸。此外，还优化了内部空间布局，重新构想了建筑内的流线。这次重新设计确保咖啡馆不仅仅是一个放松的地方，也是一个文化交流和体验的空间。
©王尚
In terms of business planning, the new Phoenix Terrace offers a diverse range of functions to meet the needs of different visitors. In addition to providing high-quality coffee and light meals, the café includes an art exhibition area, a cultural exchange zone, and a family activity area. The art exhibition area hosts regular exhibitions featuring works by local and international artists, enriching the cultural experience for visitors. The cultural exchange zone provides an interactive platform for visitors, offering various lectures and workshops to promote cultural exchange and dissemination. The outdoor family activity area offers a safe and comfortable space for families, enhancing the joy of parent-child interaction while enjoying the scenic beauty of Taihu Lake.
在商业规划上，新凤凰台提供多元化的功能，满足不同游客的需求。除了提供高品质的咖啡和简餐外，咖啡厅还设有艺术展示区、文化交流区、家庭活动区。艺术展区定期举办国内外艺术家作品展览，丰富游客的文化体验。文化交流区为游客提供互动平台，举办各类讲座、工作坊，促进文化交流与传播。户外家庭活动区为家庭提供安全舒适的空间，在欣赏太湖美景的同时增强亲子互动的乐趣。
©王尚
Additionally, the business meeting area provides a refined and quiet environment for professionals to conduct discussions. The exclusive club member activity space offers members a dedicated social venue for hosting various high-end events, enhancing the overall sophistication and class of the café.
此外，商务会议区为专业人士的洽谈提供了精致、安静的环境。专属的俱乐部会员活动空间，为会员提供举办各类高端活动的专用社交场所，提升咖啡厅的整体精致度和档次。
©王尚
In terms of materials, the permanence of weathered metal, once matured, seems to mimic and reflect the texture of the ancient stone exterior walls. Weathering steel is a special iron alloy that withstands corrosion and matures to match the texture of the historic walls. The contemporary architecture does not compete with the historical structure; instead, it creates a cohesive whole where all new and old elements progress in harmony.
在材料方面，风化金属一旦成熟就具有永久性，似乎模仿并反映了古代石材外墙的纹理。耐候钢是一种特殊的铁合金，可以承受腐蚀并成熟以匹配历史墙壁的纹理。当代建筑并不与历史结构竞争；相反，它创造了一个有凝聚力的整体，所有新旧元素和谐相处。
©王尚
Regarding the dialogue between the past and the present, I believe that the renovation of historical buildings is an embrace between the past and the modern, a promise never to betray each other. One transforms into the other, and nothing is erased. In designing Phoenix Terrace, I feel like an archaeologist, combining elements of the past, present, and future. I do not remove; instead, I suspend, bind, fix, and slide, staying true to the original ground and the initial work. Using weathered metal, I reveal the stone and the monument, sanctifying the ruins and their poetic state.
关于过去与现在的对话，我认为历史建筑的改造是过去与现代的拥抱，是彼此永不背叛的承诺。一种转变为另一种，但没有任何东西被抹去。在设计凤凰台时，我感觉自己像一位考古学家，结合了过去、现在和未来的元素。我不删除；相反，我会悬挂、捆绑、固定和滑动，忠于最初的基础和最初的工作。我使用风化的金属，揭示了石头和纪念碑，使废墟及其诗意的状态神圣化。
©王尚
编排：布忠耀
