Thriving community centre provides a guiding light

Project: Art Center of Aranya

Award:  Mixed Use, Gold, 2022

Location: Jinshanling, Chengde, Hebei Province, China

Architect: Atelier Archmixing/ ZHUANG Shen

Client: Chengde Aranya

Art Center of Aranya packs an impressive punch despite its small stature. As well as being a hub for the local community it forms a landmark on the horizon, especially when lit up at night, when it acts as a lighthouse for residents driving home from the capital. This community arts centre set in Jinshanling in the foothills of northern China , north east of Beijing, features 15 brick pavilions of varying sizes which are all covered by the same sloping roof. They form a single flexible public space which can work separately or as a whole for all kinds of social events.  Reading spaces, places for performances and exhibitions, children's play areas and terraces looking out over the mountains are arranged around a central event space. 

Design highlights

The architects drew inspiration from traditional Chinese landscape paintings and philosophy when designing the building’s windows and large glazed walls. They provide an innovative viewing experience by dividing the surrounding mountain landscape into fragments which visitors’ imaginations then reconnect as a whole. There is no clear boundary between the interior and exterior - the thick steel grid roof and the use of brick materials inside creates a 'sense of the outdoors' under the covered space.

Photo credit: ZHU Runzi