COOP HIMMELB(L)AU has completed work on the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition (MOCAPE), a major new cultural center in the Futian Cultural District of Shenzhen. The “monolithic” structure houses two separate institutions, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Planning Exhibition, under one roof, serving as a “cultural meeting point and a venue for architectural exhibitions”. The project completes the eastern part of a major master plan for central Shenzhen.

From the architects:

Both museums are designed as separate entities emphasizing their individual functional and artistic requirements and yet are merged in a monolithic body surrounded by a multifunctional facade. This transparent facade and a sophisticated internal lighting concept allow a deep view into the joint entrance and transitional areas between the buildings. From the inside, visitors are granted an unhindered view onto the city suggesting they are somewhere in a gently shaded outdoor area, an impression enhanced by 6 to 17 meter high, completely open and column-free exhibition areas.

Behind the entrance area between the museums, visitors ascend to the main level by ramps and escalators and enter the “Plaza”, which serves as a point of departure for tours of the museums. From the Plaza the rooms for cultural events, a multi-functional hall, several auditoriums and a library can be accessed. 

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. 

Check out more images in the gallery below.

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