ZHANGYU Gallery

China

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ZHANGYU Gallery

China

Firm

Atelier Zeros

Type

Commercial › Retail Showroom
Cultural › Gallery

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$50K - 100K

The installation contrasts algorithmic processes with hand-drawn works, creating an immersive, dreamlike space. Located on the third floor, the gallery offers a quiet retreat for office workers and art enthusiasts. The entrance, made of over 1,000 pieces of 1.5mm colorful galvanized steel, evokes rice paper and dynamic brushstrokes. Prefabricated off-site for quick assembly, the entrance merges form and function. The colorful steel creates a striking visual contrast in the mall. Inside, the seamless white interior, inspired by blank space, echoes elements of Zhang Yu’s work, enhancing the meditative quality of the space.
Inside, the space is designed to foster emotional connections with the artwork, inviting exploration and reflection. Atelier Zeros’ approach blends aesthetics with practicality, integrating fire safety features while preserving design integrity. CNC cutting and hot-dip galvanization ensure precision and durability, aligning with the artist’s vision. This project highlights the potential of computational design and prefabrication to create a bespoke gallery experience, transforming a commercial space into an immersive environment for art.
The design marks the third iteration in Atelier Zeros' evolving series of metal installations, tackling the pressing issue of resource waste generated by the frequent renovations of typical service spaces, such as boutiques, in major cities across China—spaces that are often renovated every three years. Drawing inspiration from the materiality of metal—its malleability, tensile strength, and precision in CNC prefabrication—the design introduces a modular, self-supporting structural system that assembles with hinged connections. These metal components are prefabricated offsite and assembled onsite using a novel tectonic approach, allowing for quick disassembly and reassembly to meet shifting functional requirements. This innovative approach promotes sustainability by minimizing waste while optimizing the reuse of resources.