Duo Yun Xuan Art Center: A Bauhaus-inspired Architectonic Experience

Reimagining the Bauhaus Ethos with Color and Formation Interventions

The Duo Yun Xuan Art Center, designed by Yushe Design, is a stunning example of how the principles of the Bauhaus movement can be reinterpreted and brought to life in a contemporary context. Rather than replicating the Bauhaus aesthetic, the design team opted for a more abstract approach, using color and formation interventions to create a unique and engaging experience for visitors.

The concept of Duo Yun, which means "cloud" in Chinese, is deconstructed into abstract curvilinear forms inserted into different levels of the art center. These forms serve as functional divisions for each floor and installations for art activities. The use of geometric abstraction and three groups of primary colors, reminiscent of the Bauhaus original content, creates a dynamic interaction between the elements, inviting people to participate in the creation of the space.

One of the challenges faced during the rehabilitation of the space was the irregular form of the building, which resulted in a narrow and cramped layout. To optimize the traffic flow and address the low penetration of light, the design team strategically placed volumes and installations throughout the space. These elements not only provide functional divisions but also create an organic circulation space, allowing visitors to seamlessly navigate the art center.

The underground floor of the art center, where the commercial activities are centralized, features a large atrium and a striking red installation at the periphery of the escalator. The red aluminum perforated panel provides a strong contrast against the dark black and grey background, creating a strict yet playful atmosphere. This activation of the underground space adds another layer of dynamism to the overall design.

In addition to the functional divisions and installations, the design team transformed the unremarkable public corridor into a multifunctional leisure space. This space, which now resembles a typical office, offers amenities for leisure activities such as reading, exercising, and enjoying a cup of coffee. By blurring the boundaries between work and leisure, the art center provides a more holistic and enjoyable experience for its users.

After the completion of Duo Yun Xuan, the design team drew inspiration from the film "The Red Balloon" directed by Albert Lamorisse in 1956. They incorporated various expressions of balloons throughout different spaces in the art center, allowing for a re-narrative of the artistic place after the intervention of human activities. This dynamic process of interaction and engagement further enhances the overall experience of the art center.

The Duo Yun Xuan Art Center, located in Xuhui District, Shanghai, was designed by Yushe Design and completed in July 2020. With its innovative interpretation of the Bauhaus ethos and its use of color and formation interventions, the art center offers a unique and engaging space for artists and visitors alike.

This design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. The award recognizes the outstanding creativity and resourcefulness of the design, as well as its contribution to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.