WORDS Cheri Morris IMAGES
Pingshan Sculptural & Creative Park by Atelier XI is a derelict factory campus turned culture incubator and creative playground. Think striking angular aesthetics and smart building on a budget.
Located in one of Shenzhen, China’s old industrial districts, the cultural park rises an energetic hub of arts and interests amongst a graveyard of abandoned factories. Atelier XI‘s task? Breathe new life into the park’s public spaces, beginning with an acknowledgement of the park’s two distinct spaces: The northern half features larger volumes that once served as factories, while the southern part consists of a series of small-scale red brick houses and brick-paved steps.
Based on this segregation and a limited budget, the architects made the centre the main axis of public play. A harmony of historical preservation prevails, constructing dialogues between buildings of old and new. Climbing vines and graffitied walls interlock with geometric interventions. An elongated pavilion made of red brick and black steel stretches along with the entrances of the three exhibition halls, forming a continuous public corridor.
In the middle of the district, a derelict guardhouse proposed for demolition is revived in the name of architectural memory: The upper level extends, taking shape as an independent steel structure, to serve as a temporary exhibition space. Between it and the lower volume, a 10cm vertical gap emphasises the connection between the past and present.
The facade of the main exhibition reflects the original sloping gable roof and contours the surrounding mountains to form a geometric hilltop with an abstract composition. The main exhibition hall hosted an interior space of 1000 square meters. Although spacious, the height clearance was subpar. In line with their budget, the architects suggested digging down 1.5 meters for a proper ceiling height instead of lifting the entire roof of trusses.
Looking for more design inspiration? Check out this clever geometric Tilt House by MUTANT Architecture & Design.