archstudio transforms industrial building into art gallery in beijing

archstudio transforms industrial building into art gallery in beijing
image © lv yuntao

for the renovation of an industrial building located in the 798 art area in beijing, archstudio wanted to respect and maintain the features of the original building which included brick, concrete and prefabricated panels while improving the functional layout of the modern art gallery and upgrading the quality of the interior space. based on the analysis of the original building, the focus of the renovation was to create a changeful gallery visiting experience.

the entrances is a 入 shape structure formed by using the rusted metal mesh panels 
image © wang ning

the gap created by the heating pipes outside the building was used to generate an intermediary space that gave the gallery its main design element: a 入 shape structure formed by using the rusted metal mesh panels that looks like a space floating outside the brick walls. one side is folded as the main entrance, and the other was transformed into the internal stairs of the gallery. mirror glass curtain walls reflect the street views, changing the closed impression of the building and restoring the contact of the interior with the exterior.

the other side of the mesh was transformed into the internal stairs of the gallery
image © wang ning 

new steel-structure parts were added to the gallery and connected by a glass bridge, forming an internal courtyard. as for the exhibition area, a contemporary white box contrasts with the rough red brick exterior wall. visitors tour from the interior to the exterior and between upper and lower floors, experiences the difference when they transition from the old to the new and compare the rough and the smooth.

the glass façade invites the people inside
image © wang ning

by demolishing the floor and roof of the office area in the original building, a light well was created for the original low-ceiling space (two meters height). natural light gets through the second and third floor office area and reaches directly into the gallery. this reduces the sense of oppression that results from the low floor height and broadens the visibility of the different areas of the interior.

the mirror glass curtain walls reflect the street views
image © wang ning

the interior space of the gallery is composed of a big white cube
image © wang ning 

the white cube contrasts with the old bricks from the exterior
image © wang ning

new steel-structure parts were added to the gallery and connected by a glass bridge, forming an internal courtyard
image © lv yuntao

analysis

diagram 

1st floor plan

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom