Kengo Kuma’s Whitestore Gallery in Beijing’s 798 Art District transforms a Bauhaus-style factory into an art gallery experience, using innovative design.
Contents
Historical Context and Design Objectives
Located in Beijing’s 798 Art District, a former Bauhaus-style factory complex from the 1950s, the Whitestore Gallery project aimed to create a unique art space within a historically rich industrial environment. Kengo Kuma & Associates sought to transform the existing structure while preserving its industrial heritage and incorporating elements of surprise and discovery into the visitor experience, using minimalist art gallery design principles to achieve a harmonious blend of old and new. The design aimed to achieve a balance between showcasing art and respecting the historical significance of the site, a common goal in adaptive reuse architecture projects, particularly those dealing with industrial heritage.
Spatial Layout and Visitor Journey
The design utilizes the expansive space beneath the existing shed’s vaulted ceiling to craft a journey from the everyday world to the extraordinary realm of art. The narrow entrance, a deliberate design choice, serves as a transitional space that heightens the sense of anticipation. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a three-dimensional canopy made of wood-grained aluminum panels. This canopy acts as a landmark within the 798 Art District, drawing visitors into a tunnel-like space reminiscent of a *nijiri-guchi*, the small entrance to a traditional Japanese tea room, commonly found in minimalist architecture and interior design.
Interior Design and Materiality
Inside, a cloud-like structure made of wood-grained wires hangs overhead, guiding visitors through the gallery. This transition from the entrance to the reception area involves traversing a series of distinct spaces, creating a sense of movement and unveiling. The interior design emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, with the rough, aged concrete of the vaulted ceiling left exposed, complemented by soft, ambient lighting. This raw aesthetic, a hallmark of industrial minimalist design, is juxtaposed with the sleek, white minimalist walls, creating a backdrop that allows the artwork to take center stage.
Exterior Design and Architectural Identity
The gallery’s minimalist exterior design features a striking canopy constructed from 3mm thick wood-grained aluminum panels. This sculptural element extends from the building’s façade, serving as a visual marker that establishes a strong identity within the art district. The canopy’s design and materiality create a sense of intrigue and mystery, inviting exploration and reflecting the gallery’s artistic focus. This approach to façade design is characteristic of contemporary art galleries, where the exterior often serves as a canvas for expressing the gallery’s artistic vision and creating a memorable first impression.
Philosophical and Artistic Underpinnings
The Whitestore Gallery Beijing embodies the philosophy of “Mono-ha,” an art movement that emphasizes the “dialogue of things” and “presence in the moment.” The gallery’s minimalist architecture, with its focus on natural materials and simple forms, echoes this philosophy by allowing the artwork to interact directly with the space and the viewer. This aligns with the broader trend of art galleries adopting minimalist design principles to create spaces that enhance the appreciation of art while minimizing distractions.
Project Information:
Project type: Art Gallery
Architects: Kengo Kuma & Associates
Area: 523 sqm
Project Year: 2023
Country: China
Main materials: Wood-grained aluminum panels, concrete
Photographer: Zhu Yumeng
