archstudio applies a metal curtain to clad IOMA art center in beijing

for a recent project archstudio has transformed an existing building at 798 art zone, beijing, to create the IOMA art center. based on the concept of ‘symbiosis’, the design aims to realize harmonious coexistence between the old and new, inside and outside, and architecture and nature.

main façade, image © jin weiqi

when approaching the project, archstudio utilized the original architectural space and added extensions to the top floor and along the street, with a view to satisfying the future demands of the building. the design team firstly deconstructed and integrated functions into the overall space, and created some new communal areas such as a restaurant, art store, multi-functional hall and leisure area, so as to enable smooth transition from nature to public spaces and to exhibition areas.

façade detail, image © jin weiqi

the designers also reorganized the circulation routes throughout the entire space. the visiting route of the former exhibition space was conventional and monotonous, and visitors had to go back along the circulation route after seeing the exhibitions, which resulted in boring spatial experiences. besides, up and down movement of visitors generated a sense of formality, which sometimes alienated them from the space. considering this, the design team demolished and transformed parts of the original architectural space, and added staircases and elevators, thereby creating a loop-shaped route. in addition, archstudio also designed two independent circulations leading to the terrace and the restaurant, which provide visitors with interesting experiences and let them feel like they are touring a garden.

entrance, image © jin weiqi

the design team created several recessed arc-shaped courtyards, and completely retained the trees that already existed on the site. the courtyards and green trees together shaped a distinct spatial character for the building. as visitors wandering in the space, their interaction with trees varies. they encounter different parts of trees, from roots to the treetops, and sometimes need to bow their heads to walk under branches.

exhibition hall, image © jin weiqi

the perfect combination of nature and space gives the place great charm. the façade is clad in a translucent curtain of metal, making the trees appear to grow out of it, blending into the environment and as well as the building. through the above-mentioned strategies, an originally conventional art gallery which resembled an enclosed box has been perfectly transformed into a natural, open, intimate and interaction-evoking multi-functional art center.

exhibition hall, image © jin weiqi

art store, image © jin weiqi

exhibition hall, image © wang ning

exhibition hall, image © jin weiqi

restaurant, image © jin weiqi

exhibition hall, image © wang ning

project info:

project name: IOMA

scope of design: architectural transformation + interiors

location: 798 art zone, jiuxianqiao road, chaoyang district, beijing, china

area: 32,291.73 ft2 (3,000 m2)

main materials: perforated steel panels, self-levelling cement, cement-effect paint

completion: april 2019

design firm: archstudio

chief designer: han wenqiang

design team: cao chong, wen chenhan, huang tao

structural design: zhang fuhua

electrical & plumbing design: zheng baowei, cheng guofeng

HVAC design: yu yan

photography: jin weiqi, wang ning

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom