dutch studio mecanoo has revealed its competition entry for a major cultural complex in shenzhen, china — a proposal which came third in the contest out of 69 entries. surrounded by residential towers and infrastructure, the site for the ‘bao’an public culture and art center’ presented several challenges. the design team’s response was to take inspiration from the nearby metro station, which also manages large flows of people.

mecanoo bao'an public culture and art center baoan public culture and art center
all images courtesy of mecanoo

 

 

mecanoo’s scheme seeks to attract visitors in an attempt to ‘reinvent the inwardly focused identity’ of the region’s cultural facilities. access to the museum has been combined with the entrance to the station, resulting in an inviting and welcoming public space. ‘combining the museum entrance with the entrance of the metro station generates an inviting and open urban node with a powerful capacity to diffuse art throughout the community,’ say the architects.

mecanoo bao'an public culture and art center baoan public culture and art center
the building takes the form of an elevated cube

 

 

externally, the building takes the shape of a cube, which has been elevated to create a public square and sculpture garden. meanwhile, a stepped landscape complete with sports fields connects the complex to a nearby school. internally, different functions are organized around a central void which doubles as an exhibition space for large art installations. openings in the volume allow for balconies that offer views across the city.

mecanoo bao'an public culture and art center baoan public culture and art center
internal functions are organized around a central void

mecanoo bao'an public culture and art center baoan public culture and art center
the void doubles as an exhibition space for large art installations

mecanoo bao'an public culture and art center baoan public culture and art center
openings in the volume allow for balconies that offer views across the city

mecanoo bao'an public culture and art center baoan public culture and art center
the design takes inspiration from the nearby metro station

mecanoo bao'an public culture and art center baoan public culture and art center
programmatic diagram

 

 

project info:

 

size: 84,120 sqm
status: design
project design: 2016
address: xinhu road and chuangye road, bao’an district, shenzhen, china
client: urban planning, land & resources commission of shenzhen municipality, bao’an administration

 

program: culture and art center (49,830 sqm above ground, 34,290 sqm underground), including 21,015 sqm museum, 16,070 sqm art gallery, 17,450 sqm gallery, 3,170 sqm sports field, and 23,490 sqm service area with auditorium, restaurant, art bookstore, meeting room and underground parking
typology: museum & exhibition
status: 

international competition, 3rd place out of 69 entries


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