At first glance, you might think MVRDV's new project is a group of naturally shaped rocks. But if you look closer, you will see a series of concrete buildings carefully designed to blend into the rugged coastal landscape. The project, aptly named Nature Rocks!, is being developed in collaboration with HWC Architects and is located in Jialeshui, Taiwan. This popular tourist destination is known for its impressive rock formations, shaped over the years by wind and water.
The designs show a collection of sculptural, rocky structures scattered around the site. A reception centre, café and souvenir shop will be located at the park entrance. Another building will provide space for exhibitions and environmental education. Some buildings will also have accessible roofs.
MVRDV plans to use existing cracks in the landscape as drainage channels and support vegetation. The buildings themselves will be slowly covered with moss and small plants over time. In addition, some dilapidated buildings on the site will be demolished, with the concrete recycled and partly reused for the new structures.
Inspired by the layered forms of the coastline, the design breaks the existing straight path. It forms a beautiful reinterpretation of recreational paths as a cracked, rocky and natural landscape reconnecting the forest and the coast. The rocky fragments provide areas for walking and for public activities.
Nature Rocks! was chosen after an architectural competition, although it is not yet clear when the project will be completed. MVRDV clearly draws a lot of inspiration from working with rocky forms, and this project follows previous geology-inspired designs by the Dutch firm, including SAMIH, Canyon and Valley.
