MOCA yinchuan in china by waa (we architech anonymous)

yinchuan’s museum of contemporary art reflects the flow of china’s yellow river
image © NAARO

forming part of a new cultural complex in northern china, local practice we architech anonymous (waa) has completed yinchuan’s museum of contemporary art (MOCA). located next to the country’s famous yellow river, the scheme has been designed to bring local communities together by ‘enhancing the well-being of future social infrastructure’.

the project is located next to the country’s famous yellow river
image © NAARO

positioned on a protected area of wetland, the narrative behind the project responds to its unique setting. focusing on the study of geomorphology, the design team drew reference from the effect the river’s erosion has had on the natural landscape. consequently, the museum’s massing becomes a diagram of these geological forces, made visible in the façade’s creases and folds.

the design team drew reference from the effect the river’s erosion has had on the natural landscape
image © NAARO

‘using parametric techniques we were able to visualize these layers and texturize the facade to implant an identity which echoes time through its weathering,’ explain the architects. ‘the gradual shift of the yellow river through our site has spanned the whole length of chinese civilization, which can be seen dwarfed in comparison to the river’s existence.’

the museum’s massing becomes a diagram of geological forces
image © NAARO

on approaching the building a large internal void appears to occupy the space left over from a fracture, dividing the building in two. the primary entrance is carved as a ‘weathered’ façade stretching the full height of the museum. within this space a circulation atrium contains two galleries, with the capacity to exhibit sculpture and installations at basement level.

a large internal void appears to occupy the space left over from a fracture
image © waa

above, two large galleries on level 3 provide the thematic collection through specifically curated content. the museum also integrates educational facilities alongside a lecture theater, a library workshop and classrooms found throughout the complex. the visitor then descends to an elevated display deck on the second storey before entering the permanent collection and exiting through the restaurant. an outdoor sculpture park surrounds the building.

the museum integrates educational facilities alongside a lecture theater and library workshop
image © waa