A grand ceremony to celebrate the completion of construction of the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition (MOCAPE) designed by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU Wolf D. Prix & Partner was held on Sunday, September 25 in Shenzhen, China. The event was attended by high officials and a big crowd of interested visitors. It was held in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Speakers at the event included Mr. Wolf D. Prix, Design Principal and CEO of COOP HIMMELB(L)AU, government and companies’ representatives. Clients’ representative, Mr. XU Chongguang, Head of Urban Planning Institute emphasized in his ceremony speech that he is very proud of the Museum Complex.
Courtesy of COOP HIMMELB(L)AU Wolf D. Prix & Partner
The MOCAPE monolith completes the eastern part of the master plan for the city center and fills the last gap in the Futian Cultural District between the “Youth Activity Hall“ (YAH) to the north and the opera-library complex to the south. Similar to other buildings in this district, the main level of the MOCAPE lies 10 meters above the ground level and so creates a stage-like platform, which acts as a unifying element with the adjacent buildings.
Courtesy of COOP HIMMELB(L)AU Wolf D. Prix & Partner
A silvery shining and softly deformed “Cloud” serves as a central orientation and access element on the Plaza. On several floors the Cloud hosts a number of public functions such as a café, a book store and a museum store and it joins the exhibitions rooms of both museums with bridges and ramps. With its curved surface the Cloud opens into the space reflecting the idea of two museums under one roof.
Courtesy of COOP HIMMELB(L)AU Wolf D. Prix & Partner
The exterior skin consists of an outer layer of natural stone louvers and the actual climate envelope made from insulated glass. These elements form a dynamic surface, which is structurally independent from the mounting framework of the museum buildings. This functional exterior envelops the two museums, a vertical access and entertainment element (Cloud), the public Plaza, and the multifunctional base.
“Museum space is like a three-dimensional Chinese Garden” said Mr. Wolf D. Prix.
The Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition (MOCAPE), part of the master plan for Shenzhen’s new urban center, the Futian Cultural District, establishes itself as a new attraction in Shenzhen’s fast growing urban fabric
Project Info:
Architects: COOP HIMMELB(L)AU Wolf D. Prix & Partner
Location: Shenzhen, China
Year: 2007 to 2016
