Surrounded by residential towers and infrastructure, the site for the Bao’an Public Culture and Art Center presents several challenges.
![Bao'an Public Culture and Art Center](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Bao-an-Public-Culture-and-Art-Center-by-Mecanoo-01-876x438.jpg)
Mecanoo reinterpreted these challenges as opportunities, capitalising on the proximity of the new cultural facility to the adjacent Bao’an Central Metro Station and the Binhai School.
![Bao'an Public Culture and Art Center](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Bao-an-Public-Culture-and-Art-Center-by-Mecanoo-02-876x1239.jpg)
The metro station and the Culture and Art Center have similar qualities: the station manages large flows of people and the Center attracts them.
![Bao'an Public Culture and Art Center](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Bao-an-Public-Culture-and-Art-Center-by-Mecanoo-03-876x438.jpg)
The design reconciles the two functions for mutual benefit, reinventing the inwardly focused identity of cultural facilities in Hong Kong.
![Bao'an Public Culture and Art Center](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Bao-an-Public-Culture-and-Art-Center-by-Mecanoo-04-876x876.jpg)
Combining the museum entrance with the entrance of the metro station generates an inviting and open urban node with a powerful capacity to diffuse art throughout the community.
![Bao'an Public Culture and Art Center](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Bao-an-Public-Culture-and-Art-Center-by-Mecanoo-05-876x1417.jpg)
The Center has the simple shape of a cube, elevated from the ground to create a public square and sculpture garden. This cosmopolitan plaza will allow people, cultures, ideas and opportunities to blend. On the north-east side, a stepped landscape with sports fields connects the Center to the Binhai School.
![Bao'an Public Culture and Art Center](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Bao-an-Public-Culture-and-Art-Center-by-Mecanoo-06-876x876.jpg)
Inside, the different functions are organised around a large central void which serves as an exhibition space for expansive art installations. Strategically positioned incisions in the volume allow for balconies with viewpoints across Bao’an. Source by Mecanoo.
![Bao'an Public Culture and Art Center](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Bao-an-Public-Culture-and-Art-Center-by-Mecanoo-07-876x489.jpg)
- Location: Xinhu Road and Chuangye Road, Bao’an District, Shenzhen, China
- Architect: Mecanoo
- Client: Urban Planning, Land & Resources Commission of Shenzhen Municipality, Bao’an Administration
- Program: Culture and Art Center (49,830m² above ground, 34,290m² underground), including 21,015m² Museum, 16,070 m² Art Gallery, 17,450m² Gallery, 3,170m² sports field, and 23,490m² service area with auditorium, restaurant, art bookstore, meeting room and underground parking
- Size: 84,120m2
- Project Design: 2016
- Images: Courtesy of Mecanoo