Gallery Crossroad: A Culture Hub for Photography Lovers

Revamping an Idle House into an Innovative Exhibition Space

The inspiration behind Gallery Crossroad lies in the decisions that photographers make every day - the gaze, the framing, and the pressing of the shutter. The name 'Crossroad' reflects these choices, highlighting the intersection of the photographer's perspective and the viewer's interpretation. The design's unique properties include a steel wireframe structure that extends from columns to ceilings, functional for hanging pieces and visually extending the building's depth.

Preserving the original structure's 40-year-old exterior, the designers grafted a textured checkerboard to renew the building with modern touches. The interior, filled with voids and set in achromatic color schemes, caters to unknown images and art pieces in the future. The minimalistic form of the contour is delineated only by light, creating dynamic movement and increasing the illusion of volume.

The designers faced creative challenges in ensuring the gallery space did not interfere with the independent thinking of observers. To achieve this, they designed a cyclorama wall visible from both the storefront and inner gallery space, diminishing accessibility and allowing people to view the full frame. This design decision, coupled with the decision to block most exterior windows at the storefront, creates an impactful perception for viewers.

Another unique feature of Gallery Crossroad is a semi-clear screen made from hollow boards, separating the information/reception desk from the gallery area. The translucent properties suffuse an indistinct glow, resonating with surrealist ambiances. The old, existing red door and grid tiles on the wall are intentionally kept intact, creating a perceptual contrast and recalling the vicissitudes of times.

The design project, which started in October 2020 and finished in February 2020, was realized in Taichung city, Taiwan. The construction area spans 60 square meters. The design was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation. The copyrights belong to Ris Interior Design Co., Ltd.