The Dunhuang Tourism Distributing Center, located on the south side of Yangguan Avenue, must be passed in order to enter the city of Dunhuang. This project is the “Portal” to Dunhuang tourism.
It is an artificial building set in the desert, so there should be an inherent correlation between its shape and that of a sand dune. Because of this consideration, the architect designed this project to adopt the same color as a sand dune, and the slope of the roof is also gentle like that of a sand dune. In this way, it can easily attract tourists to come for an experience and leisure.
The main building is divided into four individual blocks, according to the functions of comprehensive services, offices, food service and tourism display. They are in contact with each other, in a semi-enclosed community-style layout, and embrace visitors from afar. The earth-yellow stone of the external facade is in concert with the local style. The opening embedded in the heavy stone is carved into a powerful geometric figure by the sun.
In the interior of the building, a grotto-like space is used to enhance an experience similar to that of the Mogao Grottoes. During the scorching summer days, visitors will enter into this mysterious space, formed by high and open ceilings and thick walls, where the sun comes through to create a feeling of being in the grotto. This space metaphor is not only the response to the natural environment, but also the reproduction of the experience given by the Mogao Grottoes, which represents a unique experience for all visitors.
