He Art Museum by Pritzker-prize winner Tadao Ando draws from local architectural traditions

He Art Museum by Pritzker-prize winner Tadao Ando draws from local architectural traditions

6 Nov. 2020  •  Nachrichten  •  By Allie Shiell

Located in China’s Guangdon province, the He Art Museum (HEM) by Pritzker-prize winning architect Tadao Ando features the architect’s signature use of concrete and natural elements including light, water and wind. The design is further influenced by Lingnan architectural culture and circular/elliptical forms.

Credit: Chen Xiaotie

At the centre of the design, a double-helix pair of staircases rise up four floors. A skylight inspired by Lingnan building tradition bathes the interior in natural light and helps to draw light deep into the floorplan.

Credit: Chen Xiaotie

A total of 16,000 square meters and with 8,000 square meters of exhibition space, the building comprises four circular floor plans that increase in size as the building rises. Circles and elliptical forms can be found throughout the design including in the Crescent Garden, the crescent-shaped front courtyard that leads up to the museum entrance.

Credit: Chen Xiaotie

Of the circular nature of the design, Tadao Ando says, ‘The double-helix staircase and the courtyard correspond to the overlapping circulars. This dynamic presents the rich layers of the space that can only be achieved by the dual spiral design.’

Credit: Chen Xiaotie

An external body of water reflects the museum’s façade and furthermore functions as a cooling device in the subtropical climate.

Credit: Chen Xiaotie