“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