By introducing a vibrant mix of practices and fostering the community, the Museum and Art Town generates the rich sense of place that typically emerges in neighbourhoods that develop over time. Together, they define the district-which has had no history or sense of identity-as a major destination for the arts
Art Town in Shenzhen. A collection of artistic spaces as a network of public places
Rocco Design Architects designed the new Art & Design Museum, located in the heart of the art town of Shapu, Shenzhen. The space is designed as a cultural centre and landmark. The Museum houses Art Town, a group of art spaces, galleries, art schools and exhibition areas
To create a nucleus for the previously disjointed area, the design introduces a network of public gathering places and walkways that structure the surroundings of the museum-centric district. By "suspending" the galleries from the ground as floating volumes, the design opens up a public plaza that spans the length of the entire area, punctuated by courtyards connected to the Museum's basement: the plaza creates a new neighbourhoodcentre that connects Art Town Main Street with the rest of the neighbourhood
The façade is articulated by a series of "folds", which detach from the structure as it approaches the ground to reveal the public square and create points of transparency that provide glimpses of the internal areas. The façades curve into the corner of the building, opening up an entrance that leads visitors up the grand staircase to the galleries
Inside, the Museum is divided into two wings, one displaying Chinese art and the other contemporary design exhibitions, which intertwine around a central staircase. As you ascend through the Museum, the folding facades open up a view of the art city, enhancing the feeling of a connection between the Museum and the surrounding neighbourhood
Gallery
