Neri&Hu Design and Research Office 如恩设计研究室

Aranya Art Center

Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute

ARANYA ART CENTER

Neri&hu Design And Research Office

DESIGN TEAM
Nellie Yang, Ellen Chen, Jerry Guo, Utsav Jain, Josh Murphy, Gianpaolo Taglietti,
Zoe Gao, Susana Sanglas, Lili Cheng, Brian Lo

FOUNDING PARTNERS & PRINCIPAL IN CHARGE
Lyndon Neri, Rossana Hu

AREA
1500 m²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
China

CATEGORY
Gallery

Text description provided by architect.

When enlightened developer Aranya asked Neri&Hu to design an art center inside their seaside resort community, Neri&Hu seized the opportunity to question the notions of space for art versus communal space.

Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute

Despite the straightforward brief of an art center, Aranya, as a community has a strong emphasis on the spiritual nature of their lifestyle ideology, an oneness with the environment.

So the design scheme is as much about the internal courtyard, a communal space for the residents, as it is about the exhibition being displayed in the center.

Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute

Drawing inspiration from the seasonal ocean waters nearby—azure and calm in the summers, splintered ice though winter—the building design attempts to encapsulate the natural wonder of water at its core.

The central void space can be reconfigured and used in many ways, a water feature when filled with water, but also a functional performance and gathering place when the water is drained.

The scheme maximizes its outer footprint but carves out a pure conical geometry at the center with a stepped amphitheater at the base.

Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center

The exhibition galleries above benefit from the public space integration, but it also makes the project much more than just a place for display, it is also a place for sharing.

Gallery spaces are about the enjoyment of art. This project is no different in that regard, a spiraling path leads you through all the spaces, urging you onwards by the desire to see more.

Within the thick mass of the building volume is a series of interlocking spaces that visitors can meander freely within, slowly ascending, enjoying a choreographed journey with directed views both inward and outward.

Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute

Starting at the bottom with the Café, Multi-purpose Gallery, and an Outdoor Amphitheater, the path guides visitors through five distinct galleries, culminating at the rooftop where you get 360-degree viewing of the activities below.

Composed primarily of various textured concretes, with and without aggregate, the façade and materiality of the building is heavy in nature, like a solid rock sitting firmly in the shifting environment.

Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Zhi Xia

Smooth surfaces reflect the changing skies, while the molded modular units pick up on the play of shadows throughout the day.

Bronze elements act as accents on the heavy façade to catch light and draw attention to the entry of each gallery. Custom lighting and details add a touch of intricacy to the otherwise modest palette.In the evening, open modules allow light to shine through, the building is a jewel at the core of this seaside community.

Aranya Art Center
© Zhi Xia


Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute


Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Zhi Xia
Aranya Art Center
© Zhi Xia


Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute
Aranya Art Center
© Pedro Pegenaute


Aranya Art Center
B1 plan
Aranya Art Center
1F plan
Aranya Art Center
2F plan
Aranya Art Center
3F plan


Aranya Art Center
sketch
Aranya Art Center
sketch


Aranya Art Center
section
Aranya Art Center
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Aranya Art Center
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Aranya Art Center
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Aranya Art Center
northwestern elevation
Aranya Art Center
east elevation
Aranya Art Center
south elevation

Neri&Hu Design and Research Office 如恩设计研究室
T +8621 5286 2900
Neri&Hu Design and Research Office 如恩设计研究室
322 Jiaozhou Road, Building 31 Jing'an District, Shanghai China 200040 中国上海市静安区胶州路322号31楼