archi-union interprets jade museum from 3D calligraphy

chinese studio archi-union has completed the jade museum located in the heart of the pedestrian shopping district of xintiandi in shanghai, china. situated within an established structure, the architects sought out a solution to create a space that departs from the aesthetic of the host building that reflects the traditional details and style of the area. the exhibit space primarily hosts displays related to the rich history of chinese jade. this, along with the long-standing art of calligraphy, became the impetus for the interior mood and design. the sphere was chosen to deliver this concept- a primal shape, structurally efficient and symbolic in nature- occupying the interior in various dimensions and positions as voids, fluidly transitioned one into the other. 

a series of intersection spherical voids form a resultant structure reminiscent of a hollowed cave
image © hao chen (also first image)

the black and white images of hao chen capture the intention of the interior landscape. sinuous three-dimensional forms capture light and brush it along the various surfaces gradually fading into the space. the result archi-union achieved was to conceal the existing structure, to create an atmosphere completely diverse from the exterior that related to its principle subject of exhibition. digital fabrication methods allowed the construction to be completed in a very short time- a requirement by the client. the assembly method also promoted the idea of geology as the walls are characterized by endless thin layers of material that allude to the layers of rock. the sequence of voided spheres through the space determines the procession of movement through the exhibition halls, providing a variety of spaces suitable for different exhibits.

curved surface on all sides completely disconnect the visitor from the traditional structure of the exterior
image © hao chen

the layered construction alludes to the layers of rock
image © hao chen

the central space provides the largest area
image © hao chen

image © hao chen

displayes are embedded into the curved walls
image © hao chen

image © hao chen

image © hao chen

image © hao chen

image © hao chen

image © hao chen

the exterior provides no hints as to the space inside
image © hao chen

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project info:

project name: pushi jade art museum · xintiandi · shanghai
location: no. 383 south huangpi road, huangpu district, shanghai
design company: archi-union architects
chief architect: philip f.yuan
design team: han li yan chao zhu tianrui kong xiangping chen xiaoming sheng junchao
digital fabrication development and build: fab-union
photography: chen hao
area: 695 m²
design: 2016. 5
completion: 2016. 10

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