Xiazhi Ferry Terminal, Xiazhi Island by Atelier Z+

Perched at the northern tip of Xiazhi Island in the Zhoushan Archipelago, the Xiazhi Ferry Terminal by Atelier Z+ serves as both a functional transport hub and a symbolic gateway linking the island to the wider oceanic landscape. Strategically located at the Zhapeng Wharf, the triangular site is framed by a Z-shaped seawall on the waterfront and an S-shaped coastal road inland, with the village of Zhapeng just to the south. This unique topography guided the architects to envision the terminal not merely as infrastructure but as a public space that celebrates the meeting of land and sea.

Concept: Ferry as Transition

The design embodies the idea of “Ferry as Transition”, representing both the physical and emotional journey between island and ocean, tradition and modernity. Two intersecting concrete barrel shell structures dominate the site, creating volumes that simultaneously respond to the natural contours of the land and the dynamics of maritime arrival and departure. Viewed from the sea, the shells present gentle semi-circular arches, evoking openness and welcome. From the island, they appear as triangular pitched roofs, symbolizing shelter and grounding. This duality reflects the ferry’s role as a connector—of people, of communities, and of experiences.

Spatial and Structural Strategy

The two shells are connected by a curved light steel arched corridor, reinforcing the sense of movement and flow across the terminal. The variable cross-section concrete shell structure, supported by shear walls and six quasi-column piers, allows for expansive, unobstructed interior spaces flooded with natural light. Misaligned elliptical arch openings punctuate the walls, offering lateral openness and visual connections to the surrounding landscape. The structural system not only supports a large roof span but also ensures a sense of lightness and permeability, encouraging interaction and engagement within the terminal.

Materiality and Cultural Context

Material choices were carefully considered to connect the building to the island’s identity and maritime heritage. The inner surfaces of the shells are finished in fair-faced concrete, celebrating the inherent beauty and tactile quality of the structure. The exterior is clad in sky-blue glazed ceramic tiles with a fish-scale pattern, referencing Xiazhi Island’s rich fishing culture. From hillside viewpoints, the glistening tiles mimic the shimmer of the surrounding sea, visually anchoring the terminal within its coastal context. This interplay of materials—rough yet refined, matte yet reflective—creates a building that is both poetic and grounded in place.

Integration with the Site

The layout respects the site’s history and topography. The existing ferry terminal building has been sustainably reused, while the new structures preserve the memory of the former inwardly folded seawall along the eastern boundary. The architectural intervention reads as both continuity and transformation: a modern landmark that honors the past, engages the present, and supports the future.

User Experience

Passengers and visitors experience a journey that begins before stepping onto the ferry. The terminal’s open public square and fluid interior spaces encourage lingering, social interaction, and reflection. The duality of forms, natural light, and views to both the hills and the sea create a sublime sense of arrival and departure, while the cultural symbolism embedded in the design evokes belonging, exploration, and the rhythm of island life.

The Xiazhi Ferry Terminal stands as a landmark for Xiazhi Island—a structure where architecture, landscape, and maritime culture converge, creating a memorable gateway for both locals and travelers while celebrating the island’s unique identity and natural beauty.

Beyond its functional and symbolic roles, the Xiazhi Ferry Terminal also embodies a commitment to sustainability and resilience. The concrete shell structures provide thermal mass that naturally moderates interior temperatures, reducing energy consumption, while large openings optimize daylight and natural ventilation. The careful orientation and minimal footprint respect the surrounding coastal ecosystem, minimizing disruption to the shoreline and adjacent marine environment. By integrating environmental sensitivity with cultural storytelling, the terminal demonstrates how infrastructure can transcend utility, becoming a model for future maritime architecture that is both ecologically responsible and socially meaningful.

Photography: Min Yang