On the west bank of Nanchang City’s Xianghu Lake is the Waterfront Art Gallery. Designed by Shanghaiheadquartered Lacime Architects, it is an art museum that’s both an architectural landmark and a gateway connecting the city’s urban and nature zones.
The project is commissioned by China Vanke – one of China’s leading urban and rural development and living services providers.
Its design evolved as a response to its surrounding geography, and is a striking contrast of massive volumes and green, manicured grounds.
The gallery sits between the intersection of Zhenjun Road and Yunjin Road, serving as an entryway from the city into a riverside.
SHAPED BY THE CONTEXT
The Ganjiang River separates the eastern and western sections of the city, and is the defining feature of Nanchang.
On the east, where the tributary Fuhe River flows into Xianghu Lake before emptying into the Ganjiang, is a forested riverside recreational park with pedestrian trails. To the west are high-rise towers of a new town development.
One of obstacles the Lacime team faced was the existence of multi-lane highways that cut the museum’s site off from the riverside park.
To circumvent this obstacle, and to open up the museum to the park landscape, they designed the museum’s main structure as a narrow, box-girder-like, rectangular volume with its longest side overlooking the river to the north and south.
China Vanke also wanted to elevate the terrain, create a green oasis within the urban area, and fill a gap between two cultural landmark sites: Wanshou Palace on the south bank of the Fuhe River, and Wanshou Tower on the north bank.
This story is from the Issue 113 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 113 edition of d+a.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
In Harmony With Nature
Palace Hotel Tokyo’s Art Collection opens a window to the world of Japanese art based on the concept of inheriting tradition but with an innovative spirit.
Timeless Elegance
Italian architect, designer, and art director Pierro Lissoni’s vision for B&B Italia is characterised by his personal design sensibilities.
Revitalising Communities Through Eco-Tourism
How can design contribute to environmental conservation and create sustainable communities? This is a question explored by Chat Architects, an architectural firm based in Chonburi province in Thailand.
art meets minimalism
Jay Osgerby, co-founder of Barber Osgerby, shares how AXOR One Collection is set to change the future of bathroom design.
enduring legacy
Vipp's CEO Morten Woldum tells us about the Danish company's pursuit of long-lasting quality and meticulous designs
seasonal expressions
Vibrant colours of the season are depicted in the striking ceiling installation at the newly refurbished Le Du in Bangkok.
preserving lanna heritage for future generation
The new InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping's updated design pays homage to Northern Thailand's Lanna culture.
blank canvas
A family home’s white backdrop frames the tranquillity and greenery of Half Moon Island Wetland Park in Foshan, China.
three of a kind
This multigenerational residence brings its occupants together while allowing them to maintain their individual lifestyles.
ichll of discovery
Formzero's Borderless House blurs the boundaries of conventional living, distilling serenity sublimity and surprise in a gardened and Miesian-inspired abode.