The Xiangyun Island International Cruise Terminal, designed by Heller Manus Architects with AECOM as the transportation consultant, is the winning competition entry for the design of a land-mark cruise terminal that will be the gateway for the major master-planned Tangshan Bay Interna-tional Tourist Island located approximately 240km east of Beijing in the Bohai Sea. The Bohai Sea is the main water gateway to Beijing and the northeast region of China, and is a large bay which serves Tianjin, Dalian, Yingkou, Tangshan, and other important ports under the sphere of Beijings influence.
Highlighting the significance of the port as a gateway to the world, the impressive building design complements the international vessels that dock there. The buildings massing is based on the concept of yin-yang where complementary opposite forces interact within a greater whole. The terminal is envisioned as a symbolic gateway where the land and sea meet to form a physical presence and showcase Tangshan Bay to the world. Heller Manus has designed this cruise ship terminal as a green, sustainable and welcoming gateway to the islands. The layout and functioning of the terminal is meant to provide a convenient, gracious, and exciting experience for arriving tourists, one that is the beginning of a positive recreational experience.
Embodying the concepts of energy efficiency, environmental protection and sustainable develop-ment, the design incorporates sustainable strategies that showcase Tangshan Bay as an ecological harbor in China. The sustainable design strategies include the following: a green roof to reduce runoff and the heat-island effect while providing space for native habitats to thrive; public open space, including the wetland parks in the surrounding plots, as well as the green roof; water conservation; high-efficiency and low-energy LED lighting in the terminal and for all exterior lighting; glazing systems on southern faades to protect the building from direct solar gain; ocean water that can be pumped directly into a cooling system to reduce cooling costs; and ship -generated waste that is diverted through recycling, reduction and reuse in the terminals on-site facilities.
The pier is orientated parallel to the existing jetty to the east so that approaching ships can easily maneuver into and out of the berths with minimal maneuvering. Using the unique finger pier con-figuration, the terminal is designed to handle two domestic and one international cruise ships sim-ultaneously giving ultimate flexibility and efficiency for the cruise ship operators, versus forcing ships to wait to get access to a single berth.
A major entry plaza on the north side can be used by the passengers and their guests as a waiting area. Fabric canopies with benches will protect the people waiting. Two Bon Voyage parks located on either side of the pier can be used by the public for recreation, picnics and bidding farewell to departing ships. The public and guests will also be able to access the green roof on the north portion of the terminal using glass elevators located on the exterior of the building. The glass faade and sustainable roof create a dynamic appearance and allows for stunning views.