The Yard | Dalian Cultural Center is a mixed-use creative development designed by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, located in central Dalian, China, near several university campuses and software parks. The 9,800-square-metre site comprises six buildings constructed approximately 40 years ago, originally serving as offices, warehouses, and dormitories for a chemical research institute.
The existing structures vary in height and facade treatment, reflecting a series of earlier renovations. The most prominent building, a former workers’ dormitory, is distinguished by a sequence of wooden gates and garage stalls once used for repairs. The project sought an architectural language capable of unifying these disparate elements while acknowledging their layered history.
Programme and adaptive reuse
Neri&Hu’s concept for The Yard is a reflection of the project’s environment, situated in a quiet, hidden part of the city. Conceived as an adaptive reuse project, the compound has been transformed into a cultural destination for the surrounding community and student population. The programme includes galleries, lifestyle retail, hospitality spaces, cinema, theatre, offices, and a publicly accessible library positioned near the entrance. The former dormitory has been converted into office space.
Spatial strategy and courtyard
The existing buildings are arranged in a U-shaped configuration, originally oriented towards an open parking lot. The intervention completes this figure, forming an enclosed courtyard defined by new walls, screens, and canopies. Referencing the spatial sequencing of traditional Chinese gardens, the courtyard operates as an inward-facing space within the city and offers a peaceful refuge. A continuous perimeter envelops the plaza, framing a large rock feature and forming a secondary facade layer that mediates between the retained structures and new additions.
Material palette and expression
The material palette is restrained and intentionally raw, complementing the existing stucco facades. Corten steel is used extensively as a primary surface material. Its weathering properties register exposure and time, reinforcing the industrial character of the site. Reclaimed grey brick establishes continuity with the original structures.
Internally, new plaster finishes are juxtaposed with partially exposed brickwork and structural elements. Blackened steel, clear glazing, and refined window frames contribute to a dialogue between the retained fabric and contemporary insertions.
Environmental approach
The project’s environmental strategy was guided by the National Green Building Evaluation Standard, the Dalian Local Green Building Evaluation Regulations, and internal benchmarks for sustainable renovation. Retention and repair of the existing structures reduced demolition waste and embodied impacts, while recycled aggregate concrete and reclaimed grey bricks were integrated into new construction and landscape elements. Prefabricated weathering steel components were assembled on site to limit construction waste.
Operational performance is supported through envelope upgrades, including added insulation and high-performance Low-E glazing, alongside a ground-source heat pump system with a Coefficient of Performance exceeding 4.0. Low-VOC finishes and durable materials such as weathering steel and reclaimed brick were specified to support long-term performance and maintenance.
