This article was originally published in Domus 10523, January 2020.
Neri&Hu and the zenithal light of Aranya Art Center
A white cone excavating the introverted mass of the Center forms a light channel to illuminate from above an amphitheatre designed for a coastal community.
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Photo Pedro Pegenaute, © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
Drawing © Neri&HuDesignand Research Office
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- Neri&Hu Design and Research Office
- 24 January 2021
- Qinhuangdao, China
- Neri&Hu Design and Research Office
- 1,500 smq
- art center
- 2019
When the developer Aranya asked Neri&Hu to design an art centre in its seaside resort community, Neri&Hu seized on the opportunity to question the notion of space for art versus communal space.
Despite the straightforward brief of an art centre, the Aranya community places a strong emphasis on the spiritual nature of its lifestyle ideology and oneness with the environment. Therefore, the design scheme is as much about the internal courtyard, a communal space for locals, as it is about the exhibition on display in the centre. Drawing inspiration from the seasonal ocean waters nearby – azure and calm in the summer but with splintered ice in winter – the building design attempted to encapsulate the natural wonder of water.
The scheme maximises its outer footprint but carves out a pure conical geometry at the centre with a stepped amphitheatre at its base. The central void can be reconfigured and used in many ways, as a water feature when filled with water or a functional performance space and rendezvous when drained. The exhibition galleries above benefit from the integrated public space but this also makes the project much more than merely a display space; it is also a place for sharing.
Within the thick mass of the building are a number of interlocking spaces through which visitors can meander freely, slowly ascending and enjoying a choreographed journey with targeted views both inwards and outwards. The gallery spaces are about enjoying art and this project is no different to that regard. A spiralling path leads visitors through all the spaces, urged onwards by a desire to see more. Starting at the base with a café, multi-purpose gallery and outdoor amphitheatre, the path guides visitors through five different galleries, culminating on the rooftop with a 360-degree view of the activities below.
Composed primarily of textured concrete, the facade and material nature of the building are heavy, like a solid rock sitting firm in a shifting environment. Smooth surfaces reflect the changing skies, while the moulded modular units pick up the play of shadows throughout the day. Bronze elements accent the heavy facade, catching the light and drawing attention to the entrance to each gallery. Custom lighting and details add an intricate touch to an otherwise modest palette. In the evening, open modules allow the light to shine through and the building becomes a jewel in the heart of this seaside community. (from the architects’ project description )
- Aranya Art Center
- Neri&Hu Design and Research Office
- Lyndon Neri, Rossana Hu
- Nellie Yang (associate director, architecture), Ellen Chen (associate and project manager), Jerry Guo (associate), Utsav Jain, Josh Murphy, Gianpaolo Taglietti, Zoe Gao, Susana Sanglas, Brian Lo (associate director, product design), Lili Cheng
- Aranya
- 1,500 smq
- 2016-2019
External view of the structure and its solid-looking fronts
External view of the structure and its solid-looking fronts
External view of the structure and its solid-looking fronts
External view of the structure and its solid-looking fronts
External view of the structure and its solid-looking fronts
External view of the structure and its solid-looking fronts
Seen from below, the mass suspended above the amphitheatre accentuates the play of light and the arrangement of the openings in the white surface
Photo of the interspace between the truncated cone and the building mass. A ramp winds around the truncated cone, guiding visitors along the exhibition route: beams of light, openings and small balconies enliven the space
Photo of the interspace between the truncated cone and the building mass. A ramp winds around the truncated cone, guiding visitors along the exhibition route: beams of light, openings and small balconies enliven the space
This view highlights the relationship between the two masses, mediated by the ramp. At several points the interiors are illuminated by light filtering through the cladding modules on the facade. In the evening, by contrast, light shines out through these diaphragms, signalling the presence of the art centre in the city
Photo of the interspace between the truncated cone and the building mass. A ramp winds around the truncated cone, guiding visitors along the exhibition route: beams of light, openings and small balconies enliven the space
Photo of the interspace between the truncated cone and the building mass. A ramp winds around the truncated cone, guiding visitors along the exhibition route: beams of light, openings and small balconies enliven the space
Overhead view of the museum set in the urban fabric
A bird’s-eye view of the white truncated-cone form inserted from above into the building’s mass
Basement plan
Ground floor plan
First floor plan
Second floor plan
Section A
Section B
Section C
Section D
East elevation
North-west elevation
South elevation