Changde YouArt Centre: A Shimmering Beacon of Art and Innovation

Atelier Global Limited's Award-Winning Design Fuses Art, Architecture, and Light

The Changde YouArt Centre, located in Changde, China, is a four-story exhibition space that opened its doors in 2017. The design team, led by Frankie Lui and Larry Tsoi, envisioned a venue that would not only showcase art but also inspire the public and encourage artistic interactions. The result is a structure that, at first glance, appears to be a simple cube. However, within this envelope, boxes of varying sizes house different functions, creating a series of interesting negative spaces used for theatre, exhibitions, and sky gardens.

One of the unique features of the Changde YouArt Centre is its porous faceted metal skin. This design element, inspired by the assembly method of indigenous ceramic tiles, reflects light to shimmer and brings different characters of natural light into the interior. This design feature not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also reduces the reliance on artificial lighting, creating a balance with the need for air conditioning.

The realization of this design was not without its challenges. The project's scale required the design team to come up with innovative solutions to accommodate a diverse range of interactive programs. One such solution was to expand the space for circulation, making it large enough to accommodate other open plan functions. This approach to design, which Atelier Global Limited refers to as "interlocking," is a testament to their ability to combine form and function in a seamless and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Another challenge faced by the design team was the control of natural light, a crucial strategy to achieve the desired spatial effect. To overcome this, the team conducted research on channel glass and carried out tests on site to determine the size of each angular module on the faceted metal skin. This meticulous approach ensured an even distribution of facade lighting and helped achieve the desired scale and reflection angle.

In conclusion, the Changde YouArt Centre, with its innovative design and thoughtful use of light and space, serves as a shining example of how architecture can be used to inspire and engage the public. It is a testament to Atelier Global Limited's commitment to creating spaces that are not just functional, but also aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious. This design, which has been recognized with a prestigious Golden A' Design Award, is a shining beacon of art and innovation, reflecting the designer's prodigy and wisdom.