Introduction

In 2023, HCCH Studio unveiled two groundbreaking structures as part of the Shanghai Lingang Ecological Restoration Project: the Twisting Tower and the Spiral Station. These architectural marvels, located along the coastline, serve as more than mere infrastructure; they stand as bold statements, blending functionality with environmental advocacy.

Twisting Tower: A Dual-Function Landmark

The Twisting Tower integrates two essential functions: Carbon Flux Monitoring and Sea Level Alert. Rising 20 meters above the coast, this tower combines slender steel construction with concrete elements to monitor air quality, climate change, and ocean tides. Its twisting design not only symbolizes its dual purpose but also creates a dynamic visual impact against the expansive coastline.

Innovative Design Features

Incorporating twisting motions at its ends, the tower accommodates hanging detection devices while maintaining structural integrity. Vertical metal louvers envelop the main steel structure, offering a sense of scale and intrigue from afar. LED light strips embedded in the louvers serve as sea level alerts, while carbon flux measurement devices are strategically placed on multiple platforms within the tower.

Spiral Station: Offshore Ecological Monitoring

Floating 200 meters from the shore, the Spiral Station serves as an offshore ecological monitoring hub. Accessible only via a bridge, this cylindrical structure adopts a spiral gesture, maximizing space efficiency and minimizing decorative elements. With a circular plan and vertical circulation wrapping its periphery, the station provides unobstructed access to various monitoring functions, culminating in a climate tower atop the roof.

Beyond Infrastructure: Sculptures of Functionality and Artistry

Twisting Tower and Spiral Station transcend conventional notions of infrastructure, embodying minimalistic yet powerful design gestures. As dual sculptures on land and sea, they symbolize the fusion of functionality, environmental stewardship, and architectural innovation.

Conclusion

HCCH Studio’s Twisting Tower and Spiral Station represent a paradigm shift in infrastructure design, demonstrating how architectural excellence can intersect with ecological responsibility. By reimagining traditional structures as artistic landmarks, these installations inspire public engagement with environmental issues while serving practical monitoring functions. As icons of sustainability and creativity, they redefine the role of infrastructure in shaping our built environment and collective consciousness.