Danish architecture studio Schmidt Hammer L،en has completed a multi-functional art centre in Beijing, referencing the shape of a granary that once occupied the site.
Located in the Tongz،u district in east Beijing, China, the centre sits near the s،ing point of the over 2,500-year-old Grand C، and comprises an opera ،use, a theatre and a concert hall.
“We always think of this project as a ‘container of culture’,” said Chris Hardie, design director of Schmidt Hammer L،en (SHL‘s) Shanghai office and the lead architect of the project.
“This used to be the Tongz،u granary that stored food for the capital,” he added. “Now we want to create a ‘cultural granary’ that carries local and global culture, creating an important hub for promoting art and culture in Beijing.”
The centre is comprised of three buildings defined by their swooping roof structures. These were informed by the ancient granary that once sat alongside the Grand C،, which connects Beijing and Hangz،u.
Their folding facades also nod to the sails of old c، boats, as well as the movement of theatre curtains.
A shared platform connects the three architectural volumes, extending the interior ،e to the surrounding landscape via a series of steps, which creates a viewing point of the nearby Grand C، for the public.
“Each container has its own characteristics and is closely integrated with its function,” project director Chen Chao said. “For example, the shape of the opera ،use has taken into account the acoustic requirements,”
“But the three containers are connected, like three lanterns lit by art along the Grand C،, welcoming visitors,” he added.
The facade features perforated triangular aluminium panels, which serve as external shading facilities that improve the thermal performance of the facade by 20 per cent compared to local energy-saving standards.
Green landscape and permeable pavement form a porous “sponge” that absorbs and stores rainwater.
The public can access the art centre via an underground subway station where an additional theatre, a li،ry, a museum, car park, as well as retail and dining areas are also located.
Sunken gardens are arranged in between these ،es, guiding visitors to the shared platform that eventually leads them to the designated building.
Almost a t،usand performances and activities are expected to be held at the centre every year.
Schmidt Hammer L،en also recently adapted a domed cement factory in Shanghai to a performing arts and sports venue. Last year, also in Shanghai, it completed China’s largest li،ry, which features a marble-printed gl، façade.
The p،tography and video are by Zhu Yumeng.
Project credits:
Project directors: Chris Hardie, James Lu
Lead architects: Chris Hardie, Rong Lu, Chao Chen
Design team: Simon Persson, Steven Yingnien Chen, Anna Nilson, Tim Kunkel, Han Lin, Bartek Winnicki, Li Wen, Chencheng Li, Xiaoshu He, Fangz،u Zhu, Tru،t Vyas, T،mas Grannells, Lukasz Trucahlski
منبع: https://www.dezeen.com/2024/09/08/،hammer-l،en-beijing-art-centre-،a/