Hengqin Culture and Art Complex by Yunchao Xu/Atelier Apeiron and SZAD
Photo by Schran Image

Hengqin Culture and Art Complex

Yunchao Xu/Atelier Apeiron and SZAD have collaborated on the design of the Hengqin Culture and Art Complex in Henqing, China.

Next to Macao, Hengqing is one of the fastest-growing cities in China, where the Culture and Art Complex is situated between a crowded housing area and an open park.

"Instead of putting nine programs into a solid building, we adopted a strategy to create a void for the high-density urban context, while integrating various programs into one to interweave energetic lives together," said Atelier Apeiron.

As a result, the building skyline is curved along a catenary from the hill towards the river.

The design devised a strategy for creating an energetic complex capable of accommodating a multifunctional future and integrates nine functions into one porous complex, including a library, concert hall, cultural centre, art gallery, science museum, a women and children's centre, an elderly centre and a youth centre.


This project has been shortlisted in the public project (arts, culture and community) category of Dezeen Awards China 2025.

Studio: Yunchao Xu/Atelier Apeiron and SZAD
Project: Hengqin Culture and Art Complex
Credits: Zhuhai Gree Construction Investment, Construction Works Department, Livelihood Affairs Bureau and Hengqin Shenhe Asset Operation