Yinchuan is an ancient city with a long history. Based on the analysis of the project's location and regional context, the architects needed to create an atmosphere that fits the characteristics of the site. The atmosphere generated by the building conveys the sense of strength and stability of Helan Mountain, and at the same time shows a sense of affinity in line with the local context, to bring more humanistic experiences.
The Art Center is divided into two parts, an art center with the theme of art and nature and the Rock Park themed on sports, which are arranged opposite each other on two sides of the site at a street corner. The iconic roof contours convey a strong sense of territory and evokes the viewers' curiosity.
To create a required architectural volume of 4,100 square meters, the design team set most spaces underground, to reduce the building's oppression on the villas of the residential development behind. The building is set in an L-shape, integrating into the calm water yard with an open posture. Through drawing on the forms of Helan Mountain and traditional sloping roofs, the roof of the building appears graceful and interplays with the waterscape and trees in the front court.
The translucent and regular glass lighthouse erecting at the front court forms a strong contrast with the natural, organic form of the main building body, indicating the intervention to the site through structural creation. The building was designed with simple expressions, highlighting the form of the roof through large areas of blank, simple surfaces, and conveying local memory through visual symbols.
To highlight the elements of "stone" and "mountain", the design team chose two simple primitive materials, slate roof tiles and wood-texture aluminum plates to bring the architecture and nature closer, and echo the Helan Mountain.