Dezeen Magazine

Beijing art gallery by Penda features topsy-turvy archways

A sequence of arches creates topsy-turvy openings and curvy doorways through the spaces of this art gallery in Beijing by design collective Penda (+ slideshow).

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

Vienna and Beijing firm Penda refurbished the Hongkun Art Gallery and Art Arcadion on the outskirts of the city, providing a new reception area where curved openings of different sizes guide visitors through to the existing exhibition rooms.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

The curves begin at the building's entrance and continue around the space to create arches of different sizes and alternating orientations.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

"As a visual effect, we chose the arch as an inviting and welcoming gesture," architect Chris Precht told Dezeen. "In combination with the counter-arch, it has the appearance of a continuous ribbon."

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

The designers based the forms on the mountains and valleys depicted in typical Chinese landscape paintings, tying in with the artworks that comprise the gallery's main exhibition.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

"Multiple arches altering in size and orientation create a continuous, gentle curve, which becomes a sculptural interpretation of the landscape paintings that are exhibited in the gallery," said Precht.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

A new monolithic facade forms the building's entrance. Inside, the arched openings frame an information desk, cloakroom and a staircase shielded behind translucent glass.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

Ground floor galleries are located just beyond and focus on well-known Chinese artists, while the floor above caters for themed temporary exhibitions. A special exhibition hall is located in the basement and the mezzanine level is reserved for gallery employees.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

Most spaces in the building have clean white walls, designed to allow visitors to focus on the artworks.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

Photography is by Xia Zhi.

Here's a project description from penda:


Hongkun Art Gallery / Art Arcadion

Located on the southern 3rd ring road in Beijing, the white exterior of the Hongkun Art Gallery works a sculptural focal point for the area.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

Entering the gallery through an opening in the monolithic facade, the arch-like curves continue to the interior and gently merge into a clean white space for exhibiting the artworks.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

The open areas in the gallery offer a wide space for themed exhibition, while the gently curved entrance part draws people into the space and guides them naturally further into the gallery.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

The solid expression of the exterior continually merges with a carved out interior and increases the sculptural appearance of the gallery. Multiple arches altering in size and orientation create a continuous, gentle curve which becomes a sculptural interpretation of the landscape paintings, that are exhibited in the gallery.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

Within the arches, the entrance sculpture inhabits an information desk, a coatroom and the main circulation staircase, which guides visitors to the basement with a special exhibition hall and employees to the office area located on the mezzanine level.

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda

Project: HK Art Gallery
Architects: penda
Project location: Beijing, China

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda
Design concept

Project area: 2000sqm on 2 floors
Project started: End of October 2013
Gallery opened: beginning of December 2013

Hongkung Museum of Fine Art Gallery curved interior archways by penda
3D model of gallery