giant 'bamboo leaves' top MAD's anji culture and art center in china

anji culture and art center in china by MAD architects

Nestled amidst the green tea fields in China’s Zhejiang Province, the Anji Culture and Art Center takes shape as an accessible and welcoming space for the public. Designed by MAD Architects, this cultural hub aims to facilitate open interactions and connections, available to visitors from all directions and at all times of the day. The center’s design takes inspiration from Anji’s unique identity, known for being the recipient of the United Nations Habitat Award and its association with bamboo and white tea. This inspiration is vividly reflected in the center’s architectural concept, which features a porous design seamlessly harmonizing with the area’s natural and urban landscapes while honoring the region’s cultural heritage. Underneath the expansive metal roof, reminiscent of bamboo leaves, the project serves as a connecting link between the eastern cityscape and the western river and mountains. ‘We pursue the unique aura of this region and integrate it into everyday life,’ shares Ma Yansong, leader architect of MAD.

all images by MAD Architects

A Hub of Creativity Harmonizing with Nature

Covering an area of approximately 149,000 square meters, with a total construction space of around 120,000 square meters, the Anji Culture and Art Center by MAD Architects (see more here) houses six distinct venues, including the Grand Theater, Conference Center, Leisure Center, Sports Center, Youth Activity Center, and Art Education Center. The design allows visitors to take in scenic views of the surrounding mountains and sky. The incorporation of multiple courtyards into the site facilitates a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, while ample natural light floods the interiors through strategically placed openings in the metal structure.

On the west side of the center, a large stage provides an outdoor venue for various events and performances.

The interior spaces take on an undulating design to house both the Grand Theater, capable of seating 1,300 people, and the Conference Center, accommodating up to 2,000 attendees for events and meetings. Meanwhile, to promote sustainability and energy efficiency, the project incorporates green roofing, permeable pavements, green spaces, and rainwater resource utilization. Construction of the Anji Culture and Art Center is underway, with an expected completion date in 2025. Upon completion, the main facade will soar to a remarkable height of up to 17 meters, securing its position as the tallest self-supporting glass wall in all of China.

its undulating silhouette echoes the shape of the surrounding hill planted with Anji white tea

multiple courtyards blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor space

a large stage can be used as an outdoor venue for performances, concerts and exhibitions

the Grand Theater can accommodate around 1,300 people

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project info:

name: Anji Culture and Art Center

architects: MAD Architects | @madarchitects

site area: 149,000 sqm
building area: 120,000 sqm

principal partners in charge: Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano
associate partners in charge: Kin Li, Liu Huiying
design team: Sun Shouquan, Dong Xue, Li Guangchong, Zhang Xiaomei, Wang Xianbo, Xi Kaiyu, Chen Bohan, Zhao Lilu, Deng Wei, Lin Yijun, Liu Yiqing, Qiao Xuantong, Hao Yue, Zou Dengyu, Jose Maria Urbiola, Wang Zhuyun, Shang Li, Wu Aoqian, Song Chi, Zeng Tianxing

client: Anji Construction Holding Group
EPC: Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd., China Construction Eighth Engineering Division Corp., Ltd.
façade consultant: Tongji Architectural Design (Group) Co., Ltd.
Landscape Design (Tea Field + Courtyard): Earthasia (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Young-High Landscape Design Consulting Co., Ltd.
landscape design (Site): Wildscape Design Inc.
acoustic consultant: ECADI_Acoustic & Theater Specail Design & Research Studio
interior design: MAD Architects, Jianfeng Construction Group Co., Ltd.
theater technical consultant, stage technology and conference system design: Poly (Beijing) Theater Construction Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd.
lighting consultant (Overall + Theater): Ning field lighting design Corp., Ltd.
lighting consultant (Conference + Podium): Shanghai Ruiyi Environmental Design Co., Ltd.
signage design: NDC CHINA, Inc., City Code (Shanghai) Architecture Design co., LTD

location: China