“The Gentle Giant”是宿迁天文台的竞标项目之一。此次竞标的所有项目需满足两点要求：

1. 天文台需与场地临近现有公共设施相连。 2.改变原有场地乏味的视觉景观，并通过打造独特的地域性符号吸引更多的游客。

The Gentle Giant is a proposal for an Observatory Tower in the Chinese city of Suqian.Two were the main goals of the competition:

1. To connect the Observatory Tower with the existing infrastructure / bridge that develops along the site.2. To alter the merely horizontal configuration of the context and to modify its skyline with an ironic landmark, which could constitute a visual magnet for tourists and visitors.

▼总平面图，master plan

▼天文台与原有大桥相连，connecting to the existing bridge

The Gentle Giant结合了中式塔楼和中国瓷器两种形态，并充分吸纳了中国长城的几何形态，将天文台适应场地地形进行布置。该项试图运用当代设计语言重新阐释两种传统的中式风格形态。

The conceptual origin of the project derives from the will to re-interpret two Chinese traditional typologies according to a contemporary syntax. The Gentle Giant combines the vertical presence of the so-called Pagodas and Porcelain Towers with the adaptive geometry of the famous Great Wall, whose formal configuration depends on its reaction to the specific topographical constraints.

▼如长城般盘旋， waving like the Great Wall

“The Gentle Giant”由两条动感的坡道系统组合而成：其一平整且狭长，它回应周围景观以舒适和完整的视觉体验。而另一坡道则与之相反，它与地面采取直接的连接手段，以实现塔楼的高效可达性。循坡道缓缓移至塔楼顶端，来访者便抵达一处环形休息处，花卉花园景观在此处一览无遗。

The Gentle Giant is based on the dynamic superposition of two different systems of ramps: one, longer and smoother, which allows a complete and relaxed experience of the surrounding panorama. The second ramp, on the contrary, is a sort of direct connection with the ground, for those interested in a quicker visit of the building. Once the visitor will get to the highest point of the Tower, he / she will find a circular lounge area where to have a rest and enjoy the beautiful views of the Flower Farm.

▼全貌，full view

“The Gentle Giant”坡道蜿蜒曲折又动感十足得向上延伸 ，其形态远远望去又像是一座巨塔。身临其境，来访者仿佛置身迷宫一般。循迹而上，柔缓的坡道又将他们带领到最高处。人自身的位移和对周围环境的感知变化，正是这一项目想要带给来访者的体验。“The Gentle Giant”是一个概念上的结构系统，但它并非静止，随着来访者的移动，它也为人带来了极具动感的独特体验。

The Gentle Giant’s geometry recalls the existing bridge: a sinuous, sensual and organic ramp that turns into a vertical tower. Visitors are trapped into a spiral labyrinth-like effect that will guide them from the ground up to the sky. Through a gradual and gentle promenade, they will climb this artificial mountain and will get on top of it. Perception and movement become keywords of this project. The Gentle Giant works as a conceptual and structural skeleton, whose aspect is not closed or static; on the contrary, it is constantly changing and evolving, depending on the interaction with its users.

▼身临其境的感知体验，the experience on the tower

此外，如此独特又精巧的天文台也可以摇身一变成为承载公共社交和闲暇聚会的公共空间。随着周围绿植的不断侵入，来访者巡回观景的体验也将不断发生着变化。

So a simple Observatory Tower can also become a real public space: a space for aggregation and socialization. At the same time, vegetation will progressively colonize its structure and little by little, will change its perception.

▼多角度视图，different view positions