PLAT ASIA Unveils Volcano-In Visitor Center and Hotel of Arrivals Integrated Within Ancient Volcanic Landscape

PLAT ASIA has revealed its Volcano-In Visitor Center and Hotel of Arrivals project, a major architectural intervention integrated directly within an ancient extinct volcanic cone in the Baiyinkulun Steppe of Inner Mongolia, China.

The project is situated inside a C-shaped extinct volcano formed roughly 150,000 years ago and sits within a broader volcanic landscape that forms part of the Baiyinkulun Steppe & Volcano Area. The site’s geological context informed the design philosophy, emphasizing a direct connection between built form and natural topography to create an immersive spatial experience. 

PLAT ASIA’s design embeds the visitor center and adjacent hospitality elements into the volcanic terrain, allowing architecture to act as an extension of the natural landform. The visitor center’s geometry follows the volcanic cone’s contours, with a series of interconnected circular volumes, a continuous, winding roof structure, and a looping corridor that frames views of the surrounding steppe, sandy lands and distant volcanic peaks. 

Interior spaces are organised around a crater-like enclosure that accommodates visitor services, exhibition spaces, a café-bookstore, dining venues, and administrative facilities. Outdoor courtyards and plazas facilitate gatherings and events, while eco-bleacher seating along slopes offers panoramic views of the volcanic landscape. 

The design adopts a low-intervention strategy, using local volcanic stone and weather-resistant materials that visually and materially integrate the built environment with its rugged surroundings. Climate-responsive elements, such as extended roof eaves and curved profiles, help mitigate strong winds and extreme temperature variations typical of the continental steppe region. 

The Hotel of Arrivals, part of the same development phase, complements the visitor center and reflects similar design principles, anchoring the hospitality experience within the larger landscape narrative. Visitor amenities and accommodation elements are woven into the planning framework to ensure continuity between the natural environment and built form, encouraging guests to experience the volcanic terrain as an intrinsic part of their stay. 

PLAT ASIA’s Volcano-In project represents a growing trend in architectural design that prioritizes **integration with geological and ecological contexts**, particularly in tourism and cultural sites requiring sensitivity to landscape heritage and sustainability. The resort’s opening is intended to stimulate new interest in sustainable tourism and broader architectural innovation in hospitality and public space design.