interview with ole bouman, curator of the UABB value factory in shenzhen

interview with ole bouman, curator of the UABB value factory in shenzhen
image © designboom

designboom interviewed dutch architecture critic ole bouman, curator and creative director of the ‘value factory’ at the bi-city biennale of urbanism/architecture, shenzhen 2013. the expansive four hectare venue is located in the shekou industrial zone, which was established over twenty years ago. formerly known as the ‘guangdong glass factory’, the main building originally opened its doors in 1982 to produce ‘float glass’ that was distributed across china, contributing to its modern urbanization. construction to the abandoned site took place over a short time frame of just 7 months, to see them contain a range of exhibitions for the biennale. ole bouman discussed with designboom about how the transformation might foster a greater sense of appreciation for existing structures within the rapidly growing chinese megacity.

the ‘value factory’ venue for the biennale is located in shenzhen’s industrial zone
image © designboom

the site originally produced float glass, directly contributing to the buildings of modern china
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a new extension is suspended on a series of pilotis overlooking the site
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interior view of the former float glass factory that contains the exhibitions
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a large silo space turned into a bar
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view looking up a massive ‘gong’ that visitors could activate
image © designboom