Crane Pavilion at Crane Nature Memorial Preserve

Tai Kang Group, one of the largest private Chinese insurance companies, is bringing a spiritual sanctuary and memorial burial park to QianNing, a suburban area outside of city of Wuhan. 

The 4,305 sf Crane Pavilion, perched on a hilltop overlooking the reserve, silently communicates with nature, as a meeting place between the burial site and reserve. A continuous folded plate, reminiscent of the simple folded form of a paper origami crane (QianZhiHe), is created to integrate public parking, a reception/café space, an open platform, crane living spaces, caretaker dorms, public bathrooms, and storage rooms in various elevation levels. 

Delicate creases are articulated in the cast-in-place white concrete. A hand-polished exterior protective finish was also applied. By connecting with nature in this tranquil setting, the light-filled spaces and expressive architecture create an atmosphere of respect for the deceased, and allow those who mourn them to find inner peace, strength, and comfort.