Archi-Union Architects Renovates Drab Shanghai Office into Curvilinear Jade Art Museum
Posted By Lori Zimmer On February 7, 2013 @ 4:00 pm In Architecture,carousel showcase,Green renovation | No Comments
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An old office building in Shanghai has been given a new life [5] as the serene Jade Art Museum. Designed by Archi-Union Architects [6], the renovation transformed a sterile office space into an innovative art museum [7], while still keeping the original structural limits. Angular interior walls turn the functional feeling of the office into a dynamic and creative place to display and interact with art.
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In order to break the mold of the featureless office, Archi-Union Architects [6] inserted a curvilinear interior box [9], which sweeps from room to room. The cool concrete curves hug the space, creating an intimate place to experience the museum’s collection. The curves join together to form a twisting staircase that brings visitors from floor to floor.
The resulting space is both minimalist and inviting, and it creates a blank slate for art appreciation. The property is centered around a courtyard, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow light to flood into an indoor sculpture garden [10]. A reflecting pool disperses daylight in the sitting and meeting place. Other areas of the museum are more cavern-like – visitors can follow dark tunnels that are illuminated only by display lights, which add drama to the presentation.
The geometric folding interior was created using a 3D modeling program and digital fabrication. By using CNC fabrication [11], Archi-Union was able to design a sleek, exact interior, cutting down on construction costs and waste.
Via Arch Daily [12]
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URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/drab-shanghai-office-transformed-into-curvilinear-jade-art-museum/
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[3] Email: mailto:?subject=http://inhabitat.com/drab-shanghai-office-transformed-into-curvilinear-jade-art-museum/
[4] Image: http://inhabitat.com/?attachment_id=482031
[5] given a new life: http://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-church-renovated-into-modern-bookstore/
[6] Archi-Union Architects: http://www.archi-union.com/allCase.aspx
[7] art museum: http://inhabitat.com/bigs-blavand-bunker-museum-preserves-denmarks-wwii-history/blavand-bunkermuseum-big28/
[8] Image: http://inhabitat.com/?attachment_id=482034
[9] interior box: http://inhabitat.com/shearer’s-quarters-country-home-wins-australias-house-of-the-year/shearers-quarters-john-wardle-7/
[10] sculpture garden: http://inhabitat.com/nyc/photos-manolo-valdes-dramatic-metal-head-sculptures-take-over-the-new-york-botanical-garden/
[11] CNC fabrication: http://inhabitat.com/tag/cnc-technology/
[12] Arch Daily: http://www.archdaily.com/328761/jade-museum-archi-union-architects/
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