Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto used locally sourced materials to develop this countryside arts venue at a former farm on the outskirts of Guangzhou, China .
Named Mirrored Gardens, the complicated is an outpost of Vitamin Imaginative Area – a Guangzhou gallery that was very first established in 2002. It comprises an exhibition gallery, artwork studios, visitor services and overnight accommodation.
Sou Fujimoto’s design consists of a series of small cabin-like structures, interspersed between the current trees.
Related story: Sou Fujimoto envisions trees and balconies for Université Paris-Saclay building
These structures are raised up on decked platforms, lessening their effect on the hilly terrain. They surround rock gardens, as effectively as a shallow pool framed by an elevated walkway.
“Inspired by the organic and traditional character of the surrounding villages, the task seeks to merge in its environment,” said Sou Fujimoto’s studio in a statement.
“In purchase to minimise the impact of the constructing on the site, the plan is broken down into numerous little buildings that develop a village like ensemble.”
The site already contained an previous warehouse – a remnant of the its former use as a farm. This structure was broken past fix according to the architect, so it was dismantled and its grey brick walls and roof tiles have been reused for the new buildings.
“The customers are strongly connected to its vernacular character and its perfect harmony with the abundant vegetation of website. Its presence therefore played an crucial function in the final design,” explained the design group.
Most of the new buildings have a gabled profile, assisting them appear like little homes, but there are also rectilinear structures featuring large home-shaped windows.
Some are rendered white and one particular has a brilliant red exterior, contrasting with the grey tones of the reused brick. There is also a structure clad on one side with seashells, and a series of thatched canopies.
“The use of neighborhood supplies, as properly as the reuse of materials from the existing warehouse, contribute to integrate the project in the internet site,” additional the team.
Co-directed by Hu Fang and Zhang Wei, Vitamin Imaginative Room is regarded as to be one of the most prominent galleries on the Chinese art scene. One particular of its aims is to discover the romantic relationship between modern daily life and ancient Chinese philosophy.
We have in no way been disembodied by Olafur Eliasson at Mirrored Gardens
This new venue, which opened in February, is intended to prompt interactions among artwork and agriculture. So far it has hosted an exhibition of work by Hong Kong- and Taiwan-based artist Lee Kit and an set up of mirrors by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson.
Related material: see all our stories about Sou Fujimoto
Galleries function poured concrete floors and clean white walls, while other spaces include a little bookshop and library, and a communal kitchen.
We have in no way been disembodied by Olafur Eliasson at Mirrored Gardens
In a 2013 interview, Fujimoto – who developed that year’s Serpentine Gallery Pavilion – advised Dezeen that the partnership in between architecture and nature was a “basic theme” in his function.
“Each variety of architectural definition has an in-between space” says Sou Fujimoto.
“I like to discover some thing in among. Not only nature and architecture but also inside and outdoors,” he mentioned. “Every type of definition has an in-in between room. Specifically if the definitions are two opposites, then the in-between area is much more wealthy.”
Amongst Fujimoto’s very best-identified tasks are the Musashino Art University Library and House NA. He has also just lately completed a Miami buying centre and a spindly bus quit in Austria.
Photography is by Zeng Han, apart from in which otherwise indicated.
Project credits:
Architect: Sou Fujimoto Architects
Principal in charge: Sou Fujimoto
Undertaking crew: Naganobu Matsumura，Shintaro Honma，Aya Tatsuta，Shingei Katsu, Sacha Favre，Yibei Liu
Client: Vitamin Imaginative Room
Architectural advisor: Yu Yanrui
Spot study and help: Quadrant Land
Lighting method analysis and support: Yangdong Fitech Technological innovation
Textile investigation in collaboration: Kvadrat
