MAD architects' culture hub emerges like a ripple of water in china

mad architects unveils nanhai art center

Emerging from the lake like a glistening ripple of water, MAD Architects unveils designs for its Nanhai Art Center in the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The dynamic cultural hub, bridging the Grand Theater, the Museum, and the Sports Center under a floating sun canopy with surrounding public spaces, sits in dialogue with its natural surroundings as its design infuses elements that capture the humble spirit of Southern Guangdong alongside Nanhai’s traditional culture.

With construction set to start in 2024, it will redefine the urban waterfront experience on both sides of the river upon completion in 2029, and provide local communities with a new public gateway embedded with diverse services, recreational activities, and shopping experiences. Lead architect Ma Yansong notes: ‘The large overhangs of traditional southern Guangdong architecture and the gray space that provides shade, rain, and ventilation are all sources of inspiration for the art center. The architectural space suitable for the natural climate and the application of new green technologies are trying to explore a model of contemporary Lingnan architecture.’

all images courtesy of MAD Architects

a vibrant hub bridging architecture, culture, and nature

Departing from the conventional image of a solitary and static sculptural object, the team at MAD Architects proposes a vibrant epicenter for community engagement, inviting the public to participate in a lifestyle immersed in culture. The Grand Theater brings together immersive spaces including a 1,500-seat main theatre and a 600-seat multi-purpose hall — both designed to accommodate the needs of various dynamic performing arts, conferences, and experiences. The upcoming National Museum hosts an array of comprehensive exhibits, inviting exploration, education, and discovery to help strengthen the local and global community, while the Sports Center includes leisure, recreation, and fitness amenities including swimming pools, basketball, and badminton courts.

Situated in the Nanhai Cultural District, flanked by the Foshan Waterway to its south and the Qiandeng Lake Park to the north, the Nanhai Art Center’s design is centered around its encompassing bodies of water, creating a visual corridor that connects the three venues. The two-level landscape platform extends outward, organically linking the central lake, riverside park, and the urban space, weaving nature and architecture.

A 7-meter-high elevated landscape platform on the second floor weaves the three main venues together and serves as a multifaceted approach to the site’s connectivity. The elevated landscape serves a dual purpose; beneath it, the first-floor commercial services integrate, efficiently managing public parking and logistical operations. Above, an expansive pedestrian realm leads visitors directly to the main entrances of the Grand Museum and Sports Center.

Nanhai Art Center sits in the heart of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

MAD Architects’ design establishes a central axis of urban space — a continuous belt that includes the City Observation Deck, Sunken Plaza, Open-air Theater, Lake Platform, and the Climbing Cloud Corridor. This axis integrates with a cultural water park on the eastern side of the site, creating a cohesive and immersive experiential environment for visitors.

Additionally, sustainability and green carbon reduction features have been integrated under the translucent white ETFE membrane structure roof. Throughout, the Nanhai Art Center utilizes energy-saving and environmentally friendly technologies, including photovoltaic power generation, rainwater collection and irrigation, and vertical greening systems.

its undulating form sits in dialogue with the natural environment

flanked by the Foshan Waterway to its south and the Qiandeng Lake Park to the north

the dynamic cultural hub bridges the Grand Theater, the Museum, and the Sports Center

a translucent white ETFE membrane structure roof

a new public gateway embedded with recreational activities and shopping experiences

a 7-meter-high elevated landscape platform on the second floor weaves the three main venues together

the landscape platform extends outward, linking the central lake, riverside park, and the urban space

project info:

name: Nanhai Art Center

location: Foshan, China

architecture: MAD Architects

lead architects: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano

supporting architects: Kin Li, Liu Huiying

design team: Li Cunhao, Zhang Ying, Yoshio Fukumori, Rozita Kashirtseva, Hao Ming, Orion Campos, Zhang Lipei, Gao Chang, Zeng Tianxing, Li Yuchen, Ma Ran, Hemant Jindal, Jiang Yunyao, Zhou Rui, Ma Yiran, Zhang Tong, Peng Wanjing

client: Foshan Nanhai Youwei Baiyue Culture Co.
contractor: Foshan Nanhai Liyayuan Real Estate Development Limited Company
executive architects: Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd
landscape consultant: Earthasia (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
lighting consultant: Ning field lighting design Corp., Ltd.
stage craft consultant: China Institute of Arts Science & Technology

site area: 59,455 square meters

building area: 121,275 square meters