Visitor Centre in Tibet

The route to the Brahmaputra Canyon in the Himalayas passes through the impressive landscape along the Niyang River in southern Tibet. In a bid to increase tourism in this area, the Niyang River Visitor Centre was created, forming a gateway to the gorge 20 kilometers away. In order to assert itself in an exposed situation where the river meets the mountains, this monolithic structure is virtually sealed off from the outside world. In contrast, the interior of the asymmetrical volume looks as if it had been hollowed out from the solid mass. The four broad openings that lead to the central courtyard are not only an aid to orientation; they focus the gaze on salient features, thereby sensitizing visitors to the surroundings. Housed in the various volumes of the building are a ticket office, changing rooms for tourists who wish to go rafting and sanitary facilities.