City Art Hall Hidden in the Woods

Cultural Exchange Center

The architects hoped to find the intersection of the two in the cultural differences between the East and the West: the overall design concept was taken from the "Ruyi", which has been used in China since ancient times as a gift to foreign ambassadors to signify the conclusion of friendly relations and the peace of the two countries; while the Italian pavilion draws its design inspiration from Italy's most representative piazza, shaping an intimate and pleasantly scaled urban art living room.

The City Art Hall Hidden in the Woods, designed by Qun Wen, is a unique project located about 36 kilometers from the center of Chengdu. With a planned area of 17,813.3 square meters and a construction area of 2,106.7 square meters, this cultural exchange center stands out for its integration with nature and its stunning design.

The use of pure white on all walls gives the building a different three-dimensional light effect in the sunlight. The large area of glass extends the indoor space to the outside, allowing the outdoor scenery to be fully visible and creating a dynamic mural of the four seasons. With the change of wall materials, the designer creates a feeling of space that is both inside and outside, seamlessly integrating the pavilion into the surrounding natural environment.

The harmony between architecture and nature is further enhanced by the top lighting design of the pavilions on both sides. This allows for even distribution of light in the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a seamless transition between the two. The introduction of multi-level outdoor greenery and the use of buoyant ventilation devices also contribute to the integration of natural elements such as light, scenery, and wind into the building.

The City Art Hall Hidden in the Woods is not only a visually stunning structure but also a functional space. It includes multifaceted spaces for exhibitions, meetings, receptions, and catering, providing a versatile venue for various cultural events. The design celebrates the differences and union between East and West, showcasing an amazing marriage of Italian and Chinese style elements in its contemporary architecture.

The project, part of the Chengdu Tianfu Cultural and Creative City, aims to build a platform for cultural exchange and civilization interchange between China and Italy. It is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Chengdu, known as the land of abundance, with a civilization history of 4,500 years and a city construction history of 2,300 years.

The City Art Hall Hidden in the Woods, designed by Qun Wen and his team, has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This award recognizes designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Qun Wen
Image Credits: image#1-5 Arch-Exist Photography
Project Team Members: Qun Wen, Ma Jianning, Fan Ruixue, Wang Ye, Chang Zhiyu, Pan Jichang, Li Xiangting, Lu Yu, Zhu Dan, Du Jing, Liu Jingyi, Xue Yawen, Liu Chen
Project Name: Sino Italian
Project Client: Qun Wen


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