He Art Museum: Architecture and landscape created by dynamic geometry

In response to the client’s request for an art museum themed on harmony and peace that would contribute to the cultural heritage of their hometown, Ando proposed a building design characterized by shifted concentric circles that create cohesive interior and exterior spaces.

The circular motif was informed by the idea of creating a focal point within the indistinctive site and a desire to express the boldness of the continental Lingnan culture rooted in the region.

The building is composed of a circular multi-tiered wing housing human-scaled exhibition spaces and a rectangular low-rise volume housing a hall for special exhibitions and events.

The stacked tiers of the circular wing have varying heights and centers of gravity, and appear as if to be spiraling outward.

Louver screens installed along the perimeter of each tier protect the exhibition items from the harsh sun while also delicately wrapping the building with a pattern of soft light and shadow.

At the heart of the circular wing is a five-story atrium with a sculptural double-helix staircase that guides people to the various spaces.

Daylight streaming in through a skylight washes over the smooth concrete surfaces. The play of light and shadow changes with the passage of time.

The circular motif of the building extends into the landscaping of the outdoor spaces, which have been designed for people to relax.

The pool of water spreading out from the base of the building not only provides a refreshing respite from the intense heat but also acts as a natural pedestal that reflects and amplifies the geometries of the architecture.

Ando has imbued the site with a sense of dynamism born from the three-dimensional interplay of simple geometries.