China Team, the first Chinese challenge in the history of the America’s Cup, celebrated the Chinese New Year, Tuesday 31 January at the Saint-Ouen offices of Neocles. During the evening China Team presented the project for its base in Valencia, Spain.

Françoise Raynaud, architect and director of the Loci Anima Architectures in Paris, who unveiled to the press and China Team’s partners the project for the new base commented: “Whether approached from the quayside or the road, the China Team base is completely transparent, designed to look like a large shop window. The boat and all marine activities can be seen by the public from the paths and the gangways leading to the terrace.”

The enormous terrace that opens out on the roof of the building will be open to the public, providing an exceptional view of the Darsena. It will also house information booths, various forms of entertainment, exhibitions, and China Team shops.

Great attention was paid to the environmental aspects of the project and the base will be cooled and air-conditioned by natural means.

“An analysis of the site and the climate in Valence influenced the design of the base, for example canvas sheets to provide shelter that are open but protective, and use natural ventilation and atomisers to combat the summer heat. The idea of casing is in fact traditional architecture adapted to buildings on sea-fronts: the region uses thermal breakers to create a natural cooling system,” Françoise Raynaud added.

The base is situated at the most southern tip of Darsena and will be up and running before the Louis Vuitton Acts 10 and 11, which will take place between 11 and 21 May 2006.