KUNMING HOUSE of ART & CULTURE (KHAC)

Client: YMCI (Yunnan Metropolitan Real Estate Development CO. LTD)

Dianchi Lake Area, Kunming, China

2020

Location & Context:

This project is located on a prominent property in the Dianchi Lake area of Kunming, China. The site has un-obstructed views of the Xishan Mountains, which resemble a young woman lying down and are known as the “Sleeping Beauty”. Its surroundings include the Lake Dianchi, the sixth largest freshwater lake in China, a modern residential development by YMCI, and a high-end shopping area.

The city of Kunming is hailed as the “Spring City” for its spring-like climate all year round, extraordinary landscape, fresh air, sun, and blossoming flowers.  Kunming serves as the “gateway city” linking China with South & Southeast Asia. It is also a historical and cultural city with significant tourist & commercial activities, being one of the central cities in Western China.

The Intention of this 30,000 SF, 3-story project is to create a HOUSE of ART & CULTURE for the Kunming community to reshape people’s experiences of global contemporary art and culture. A multidimensional construct offering varied functions such as social communication, varied art forms & performances and experiencing the art of contemporary living. To create a window and a reason for artists, designers, and cultural experts from all over the world to visit and settle in the city of Kunming. The aim here was to create architecture as a work of art embracing innovative and imaginative global culture and at the same time benefiting the region and the city. The building’s cultural & art features, spirit of sharing, and use for artistic education can create life changing experiences, giving back to the Global Community as a whole.

Architecture:

Conceptually, the architecture takes form inspired by the “Green Lake” park known as the “Jade in Kunming”, which is a large void in the center of the city, filled with water & used as a public space with activities within and surrounding it. This large, organically shaped Jade, or Green Lake, has two long dikes dividing the lake into four parts. The four smaller lakes then are linked by bridges, pavilions on various islands within the park, tree-lined walks and locals enjoying themselves.

The House of Art & Culture is the JADE LAKE inside-out, as if what was removed from the center of the city to create the “Green Lake” Park was deposited on the site by Dianchi lake. The mass is divided into two parts by a rupture, creating the entrance and the main circulation via a three-story sky lit fissure. Various levels and spaces are bridged through stairs and platforms accented with Corten steel railings.

The Main Floor & Upper Level contain art galleries that will exhibit cutting edge contemporary art including painting, sculpture, mixed media & film.

The Film Gallery will not only host international film festivals, but also will exhibit video art and multi-media shows and screen award winning art films. A Food Gallery will host international chefs and exhibit a culinary & dining experience in response to the Chinese appreciation for food as a cultural event, and the importance of Cooking & Sharing food.

The lower level exhibits both Local & Global Fashion, with the runway constructed along a pool of water. This exhibition space opens onto a large terrace leading to the Sculpture garden, which is situated on the bank of the lake Dian with views of the “Sleeping Beauty” Mountain.

The indoor pool, large terrace and the garden have been designed for Music and Avant-guard music concerts hosting both local & global artists.

Finally, this House of Art & Culture is designed to provide for global events and community experiences; it is a cutting edge, forward looking, and sustainable project with the local eco-system, humanity, openness, collaboration and sharing in mind.