On the evening of April 21st, the Bai'etan Greater Bay Area Art Center in Guangzhou was illuminated for the first time, symbolizing a new chapter in cultural enrichment. Designed by the team led by He Jingtang, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the center stands as a beacon of cultural significance, integrating the Guangdong Museum of Art, Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Center, and Guangdong Literature Museum. Rising 78.5 meters high with 11 above-ground floors and 2 underground, the center embodies the essence of "Bai'etan's artistic charm and the picturesque beauty of Yunshan."
Highlighted by the "Time Archway," which seamlessly connects the three venues, the architectural marvel resembles a majestic white "cruise ship" set to embark on a journey of cultural exploration. Recognized for its innovative design, including the double-decker connecting corridors spanning the riverbanks, the center has been awarded the prestigious China Steel Structure Gold Award for its engineering excellence.
Situated in the vicinity of Guangzhou's historic Thirteen Hongs district, the nearly 360-meter-long "cultural cruise ship" harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, complementing landmarks such as the White Swan Hotel, Taikoo Wharf, and Shamian Island. Across the Pearl River, it resonates with iconic cultural and tourist destinations like Zhujiang New Town, the Canton Tower, Guangdong Museum, and Guangzhou Opera House. The building embodies both the rich heritage of the Maritime Silk Road and a forward-looking cultural skyline.
He Jingtang emphasized that Guangzhou's topography has shaped its unique urban layout, characterized by the interplay of Baiyun Mountain and the Pearl River. Drawing inspiration from Lingnan architecture and considering climatic factors, the design integrates elements for shading, ventilation, heat insulation, and moisture resistance. Rooted in the cultural heritage of Lingnan traditional architecture, the art center is well-ventilated and open, inviting citizens to freely explore its interconnected spaces and platforms. The design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor environments. From the vantage point of the third-floor arches, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of both indoor exhibitions and panoramic views of the majestic Pearl River.
Source :Yangcheng Evening News
He Jingtang analyzes the architectural design of Baietan's Greater Bay Area Art Center
On the evening of April 21, the Dawan Art Center in Baietan, Guangzhou was fully lit up for the first time. On the bank of the Pearl River and the shore of the Etan, a white and warm cultural giant ship sailed away. The Baietan Art Center is composed of Guangdong Museum of Art, Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum and Guangdong Literature Museum, with a height of 78.5 meters, 11 floors above ground and 2 floors underground.
Designed by the team of He Jingtang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the art center is designed with the charm of "freehand in Etan, Yunshan art", and connects the three venues through the "Time Arcade", resembling a white "giant ship" that is about to set sail. The heavyweight overrun and long-span double-layer corridor upgrading project across the two sides of the strait won the highest honor for engineering quality in China's construction steel structure industry - China Steel Structure Gold Award.
This nearly 360-meter-long "cultural giant ship" is located in the area of Baietan, where Guangzhou's "Thirteen Lines" is located, and complements the landscapes such as the White Swan Hotel, Taikoo Cang Wharf and Shamian along the coast, and echoes with the Canton Tower, Guangdong Provincial Museum, Guangzhou Grand Theatre and other cultural and tourism landmarks in the Zhujiang New Town area. It not only has a profound cultural heritage and business genes of the Maritime Silk Road, but also outlines a future-oriented cultural landscape skyline, creates a new landmark of the millennium commercial capital, and stimulates the vitality of the riverside city.
He Jingtang said that Guangzhou's topography has created an urban pattern of "clouds, mountains and pearls", and due to the influence of climate, Lingnan architecture has certain requirements for shading, ventilation, heat insulation and moisture-proof in the selection of materials. We can find from many Cantonese buildings that Guangzhou people like the living environment and lifestyle that integrates indoor and outdoor. Rooted in the cultural genes of traditional Lingnan architecture, Baietanan Art Center highlights the characteristics of openness and transparency. Citizens can freely enter the three venues from the square, and there are platforms connecting the venues to integrate with the outdoor environment. Through the change of perspective, the public can not only enjoy the indoor exhibition effect up close, but also overlook the beautiful river view from the highest point of the three-story arcade.
Curated | Chen Qiaosheng Lin Jie
Co-ordination | Deng Qiong, Hou Shuwang, Huang Jianjun
Executive co-ordination | Zhu Shaojie, Mai Yuheng, Yin Fengfeng
Text | Reporter Liang Shanyin, Zhu Shaojie, Zhou Xinyi
Figure | Reporter Zhong Zhenbin Liang Yu (except for the signature)
Translated | Liu Jiahui