Beijing Cultural and Art Center

Beijing, China

Exhibition Halls

Architects: CU Office

Location: Beijing, China

The project is located in the north of the old town of Beijing, near the Lama Temple. It is in a traditional Siheyuan area. The main body of center is a typical three-row Siheyuan. The greatest challenge is that we are asked to transform an enclosed and private space into an open and public space in the fundamental premise of cultural relics protection. To preserve its traditional spatial structure, streamline and functional organization needs to be redesigned. The design of back room and main gate makes the entrance part as a transparent and open space and combines street landscapes and the inner garden to create an active and lively urban feeling. The overhanging eave of the back room and main gate provides a friendly space for visitors and residents around to take shelter from rain. The center serves not only an opportunity to exhibit Chinese culture but a public space for the neighborhood.