A poem to inhabit. The Seaside Pavilion by GN Architects

Project description by GN Architects

Hello, ZhouShan
After most people left the island for city life, less than 100 elderly residents remain on Chaishan Island. To revitalize the island, Zhoushan Government has initiated the "Hello, Island" co-prosperity project.

Chaishan Island is one of the second batch of demonstration islands under this project. Over 10 new projects are being planned for the island, which will eventually have art, design, fashion, and social elements. Soon, new residents and tourists will flock to the island, transforming its people, stories, culture, and appearance.

The Seaside Pavilion
Following the “Hello, Island” competition, the first-place design, The Seaside Pavilion, will be implemented. In the context of accelerating urbanization, the design of the Pavilion aims to create a focal point that brings a touch of romantic humanism to the simple and pure island life. It seeks to establish a destination that is both practical and poetic, highlights the romantic atmosphere of the island life and offering people who looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life a place to pause and rest.

In traditional Chinese villages, a large tree at the entrance creates a sense of arrival. Villagers often gather under it to pass the time, observe strangers, or welcome and send off guests—a scene still visible in rural China. A poem, «Bu Suan Zi», describes this imagery. The pavilion aims to recreate this sense of arrival at the island's entrance, enhancing the village's context and establishing a distinct identity. 

The original concept relied on tidal movements for motion. When visitors sat in the pavilion, the waves and the structure would rise and fall together over hours. However, to consider the primary audience—tourists—the design has been revised to use wind power for instant effects. The form has also been optimized to make the changes more noticeable.
After several site surveys, the chosen location is a defunct cargo pier from the 1960s, situated between the new passenger terminal and the village. Surrounded by jagged rocks with a backdrop of blue skies and sea, the site offers a perfect setting.

The Feather of Chaishan
In vast natural landscapes like mountains and oceans, people often lose their sense of scale and individuality. A well-designed art installation can connect the environment to the viewer, creating a personal experience. The design features elongated blades suspended from a frame, swaying gently in the sea breeze and moving in harmony with the waves. This poetic yet practical setting repurposes the old pier with repairs and new railings, turning it into a gathering and resting place for the island’s elderly. Most of the time, they sit silently, gazing at the ferries as they dock and observing the brief bustle when visitors arrive.

From August 15, 2024, as you sail to Baishan or Chaishan Island, you’ll see the Seaside Pavilion from a kilometer away, resembling white feathers swaying in the breeze—a symbolic representation of the island. The installation embodies two key concepts: first, as a psychological landmark (The Long Pavilion), determining its location and spatial form; second, as a blend of poetic realism (The Feather of Chaishan), shaping its unique design.

Set Up & Transport
The installation was prefabricated in a factory and transported over two days by three large trucks to Zhoushan, then shipped to Chaishan Island using a rented 300-ton cargo vessel and crane. All equipment needed for assembly was also transported by sea.

The structure comprises 36 seven-meter-long blades, grouped into sets of three. Each blade’s initial position was precisely calculated through computer simulations, with weights balanced for optimal movement. A single blade is connected to the main support through a bearing, and the tail of the blade is equipped with a counterweight block for adjusting the balance of the main and secondary stages.To prevent collisions, linkages and limiters were added between the blades. After testing various options, including flexible springs and hydraulic buffers, rubber was chosen for its simplicity, UV resistance, and corrosion resistance.

Given the coastal location, the installation uses corrosion-resistant steel and anti-rust coatings. While fabric membranes were originally planned for the blades, higher-strength fishing ropes were selected for better durability and wind resistance. The blades sway slightly in a gentle breeze (Force 3 wind) and move visibly at Force 5. In case of a typhoon, the blades can be securely tied to the frame to prevent damage.

Enduring the First Typhoon
Despite robust safety calculations, the team was anxious about the installation's performance in harsh weather. During the first week of assembly, some steel components and protective railings were swept into the sea by waves in a typhoon day, it took us two days to retrieve them. On August 20, just days after completion, a typhoon with Force 10 winds struck, halting all ferries. A team member were stranded on the island, documenting the installation as it weathered the storm. Remarkably, the structure remained intact, with its blades dancing in the wind and waves crashing onto the rocks—a breathtaking sight for everyone.

Once Upon a Time
Chaishan Island was once lush with forests and settled over 200 years ago. Fishermen would stop by to gather firewood before heading out to sea. As fishing prospered, more people moved to the island, forming a harbor sheltered from storms, which became known as "Gangli." While locals call it Gangli, outsiders often refer to it as Chaishan Island.
Decades ago, the island bustled with life, home to about 1,600 residents, including migrants from Ningbo, Zhujiajian, and Bai Sha, as well as workers from provinces like Anhui, Hunan, and Guangxi.

In the heyday of Chai Shan Island, the pier would blaze with lights, alive with an endless parade of fishing boats and a ceaseless cascade of fresh catches. The harbor was alive with ships and fishermen, and a local saying described the different island groups:

"Gangli people guard the docks; Housha people live in shadowy mainland lanes; Xiaosha people work the fields; Huangsha people wear flashy ‘butter buns’ on their heads."

The Gangli people were known for their hospitality. Hosts would wait at the docks to welcome visitors, as the harbor was not only a business hub but also a place for social interactions. However, with the decline of fishing resources, the harbor lost its vitality. Most boats relocated to Shenjiamen, and families left the island. The local school closed, and many moved to Zhujiajian or Shenjiamen for better lives, reducing the island’s population. Today, only 96 elderly residents remain, compared to over 200 elderly left at the beginning.

With the installation of The Seaside Pavilion, a new chapter begins for Chaishan Island. Like the Gangli people who once stood at the docks to greet visitors, the pavilion now stands tall, symbolizing the island’s enduring spirit.