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Niyang River Visitor Center by Standard ArchitectureThe Chinese government may not be celebrated for supporting Tibetan culture, but the Beijing-based design firm <a href="http://www.standardarchitecture.cn/v2news/2882">Standard Architecture</a> is. Winners of the international "Architecture in Stone 2011" award from <a href="http://architectureanddesign.marmomacc.com/premio_opere_standardarchitecture_en.asp">Marmomacc</a> for the striking Niyang River Visitor Center and two other buildings in Tibet, their efforts to incorporate local materials and building techniques into their projects have not gone unrecognized. Completed in June, 2011, the attractive white visitor center on Mirui Road is an open geometric structure built mostly out of locally-sourced stone that acts as a portal to river rafting and other tourist activities. It also acts as a symbol of hope that the Chinese and Tibetans can work side by side to foster <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_development">sustainable development</a> that benefits everyone.1
Niyang River Visitor Center by Standard ArchitectureThis beautiful stone building is located on a tourist road in Tibet2
Niyang River Visitor Center by Standard ArchitectureThe Chinese designers employed both local materials and techniques used in traditional Tibetan architecture3
Niyang River Visitor Center by Standard ArchitectureThe geometric volume is covered in aga clay, which acts as a waterproofing and insulation material4
Niyang River Visitor Center by Standard ArchitectureThe geometric design is emblematic of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and canyons5
Niyang River Visitor Center by Standard ArchitectureAll four irregularly shaped entrances are wrapped around a central courtyard6
Niyang River Visitor Center by Standard ArchitectureThe designers chose to paint the building white out of deference to the holy Potala Palace in Lhasa.7
