Choreographies in space. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu
11/03/2020.
[Qinhuangdao-Hebei] China
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
Neri & Hu projected an Art center on the Aranya coast, south of the city of Qinhuangdao, China. A location in the center of the block, surrounded by pedestrian paths and traditional Chinese architecture that is recomposed in an open corner piece that expands the interior of the building towards the waters of the ocean.
The nature perceived by the inhabitants of the coastal area articulates ideologies of a particular, spiritual and caring way of life of the anthropized environment where it is located. Therefore, the project generates a space of calm in the center of the building, as a community agora for the different neighborhood activities.
The nature perceived by the inhabitants of the coastal area articulates ideologies of a particular, spiritual and caring way of life of the anthropized environment where it is located. Therefore, the project generates a space of calm in the center of the building, as a community agora for the different neighborhood activities.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
Sketch. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
Sketch. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
Basement. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
Ground floor. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
First floor plan. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
Second floor plan. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
Section A. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
Section B. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
Section C. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
Section D. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
South elevation. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
North-west elevation. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
East elevation. Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu.
Aranya Art Center by Neri&Hu. Photograph by Pedro Pegenaute and Xia Zhi.
A concentric ramp to the circular central courtyard is the protagonist of the exhibition space in the artistic center, designed by Neri & Hu. Giving a feeling of massiveness abroad with a closed volume towards the street, but that through the open entrance in the encounter of the two faces that face the ocean, they are able to open up to the open roof core, as if from a Amphitheater was involved.
The programs that revolve around the patio, are organized in a spiral way, from the cafeteria, the multipurpose galleries, other exhibition areas and the roof that allows you to observe both the interior patio from above, as well as the views of the adjoining landscape. Light and gloom are combined in a solid volume of textured concrete, but hollow inside, being a modest but complex piece in its interior space capacity.
The programs that revolve around the patio, are organized in a spiral way, from the cafeteria, the multipurpose galleries, other exhibition areas and the roof that allows you to observe both the interior patio from above, as well as the views of the adjoining landscape. Light and gloom are combined in a solid volume of textured concrete, but hollow inside, being a modest but complex piece in its interior space capacity.
Description of the project by Neri & Hu
When enlightened developer Aranya asked Neri&Hu to design an art center inside their seaside resort community, Neri&Hu seized the opportunity to question the notions of space for art versus communal space. Despite the straightforward brief of an art center, Aranya, as a community has a strong emphasis on the spiritual nature of their lifestyle ideology, an oneness with the environment. So the design scheme is as much about the internal courtyard, a communal space for the residents, as it is about the exhibition being displayed in the center.
Drawing inspiration from the seasonal ocean waters nearby—azure and calm in the summers, splintered ice though winter—the building design attempts to encapsulate the natural wonder of water at its core. The scheme maximizes its outer footprint but carves out a pure conical geometry at the center with a stepped amphitheater at the base. The central void space can be reconfigured and used in many ways, a water feature when filled with water, but also a functional performance and gathering place when the water is drained. The exhibition galleries above benefit from the public space integration, but it also makes the project much more than just a place for display, it is also a place for sharing.
Within the thick mass of the building volume is a series of interlocking spaces that visitors can meander freely within, slowly ascending, enjoying a choreographed journey with directed views both inward and outward. Gallery spaces are about the enjoyment of art. This project is no different in that regard, a spiraling path leads you through all the spaces, urging you onwards by the desire to see more. Starting at the bottom with the Café, Multi-purpose Gallery, and an Outdoor Amphitheater, the path guides visitors through five distinct galleries, culminating at the rooftop where you get 360-degree viewing of the activities below.
Composed primarily of various textured concretes, with and without aggregate, the façade and materiality of the building is heavy in nature, like a solid rock sitting firmly in the shifting environment. Smooth surfaces reflect the changing skies, while the molded modular units pick up on the play of shadows throughout the day. Bronze elements act as accents on the heavy façade to catch light and draw attention to the entry of each gallery. Custom lighting and details add a touch of intricacy to the otherwise modest palette. In the evening, open modules allow light to shine through, the building is a jewel at the core of this seaside community.
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More information
Architects
Area
1500.0 m².
Dates
2019.
Photography
Venue / Adress
Block 4, South Zone, Aranya Golden Coast Community, Beidaihe New District, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China.
LYNDON NERI - ROSSANA HU. NERI AND HU
Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, founded in 2004 by partners Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office is an inter-disciplinary architectural design practice based in Shanghai, China. Neri&Hu works internationally providing architecture, interior, master planning, graphic, and product design services. Currently working on projects in many countries, Neri&Hu is composed of multi-cultural staff who speak over 30 different languages. The diversity of the team reinforces a core vision for the practice: to respond to a global worldview incorporating overlapping design disciplines for a new paradigm in architecture.
Lyndon Neri is a Founding Partner of Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, an inter-disciplinary international architectural design practice based in Shanghai, China. In 2014, Wallpaper* announced Neri&Hu as 2014 Designer of The Year. In 2013, Mr. Neri was inducted into the U.S. Interior Design Hall of Fame with his partner Ms. Rossana Hu. The practice was the 2011 INSIDE Festival Overall Winner, won AR Awards for Emerging Architecture 2010 by Architectural Review and was selected as one of the Design Vanguards in 2009 by Architectural Record. Mr. Neri received a Master of Architecture at Harvard University and a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to starting his own practice with partner Rossana Hu, he was the Director for Projects in Asia and an Associate for Michael Graves & Associates in Princeton for over 10 years, and also worked in New York City for various architectural firms.
Rossana Hu is a Founding Partner of Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, an inter-disciplinary international architectural design practice based in Shanghai, China. In 2014, Wallpaper* announced Neri&Hu as 2014 Designer of The Year. In 2013, Mr. Neri was inducted into the U.S. Interior Design Hall of Fame with his partner Ms. Rossana Hu. The practice was the 2011 INSIDE Festival Overall Winner, won AR Awards for Emerging Architecture 2010 by Architectural Review and was selected as one of the Design Vanguards in 2009 by Architectural Record. Ms. Hu received a Master of Architecture and Urban Planning from Princeton University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Music from the University of California at Berkeley. Before establishing Neri&Hu with her partner Lyndon Neri, Ms. Hu worked for Michael Graves & Associates, Ralph Lerner Architect in Princeton, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in New York City, and The Architects Collaborative (TAC) in San Francisco.
