Location: Wuhan, China.

Architect: Atelier Deshaus.

The Qintai Art Museum in Wuhan’s Hanyang district is a unique architectural intervention that redefines the urban space on the south bank of Moon Lake. The undulating roof is formed by an abstract stepped terrace following topographic contours, while sinking part of the exhibition spaces underground to minimize massing on the ground. The rooftop paths are entirely open to the public, connecting to the Moon Lake and other public spaces. The main entrance to the museum, as well as the programs with strong public tenets, are placed on the side facing the city road, where a subtly inwardly-curved façade together with the plaza creates a sense of enclosure. The main hall, together with the undulating roofscape, creates a unique space for exhibition, using floating exhibition walls with no set circulation for visiting the exhibition. The exhibition spaces for contemporary art, modern art, classical art, as well as for special exhibitions, could be independently accessed or sequentially linked, having great functional flexibility.

Photo credit: Tian Fangfang.