Exhibition Atelier Deshaus
Common Landscape
Museum in a former silo, © Tian Fangfang
Despite advancing climate change and the construction industry’s insatiable hunger for energy, demolition and new builds often come first in China. Atelier Deshaus is deliberately countering this fact. The Aedes Architecture Forum is presenting how the Shanghai architecture studio transforms former industrial complexes into new, attractive places for the public. The exhibition will run until 17 May.
Museum for contemporary art in old factory building, © Tian Fangfang
Illustrative design
With seven different projects, the studio provides insight into their own work with a focus on the repurposing of abandoned industrial buildings along the Huangpu River in Shanghai. Models, plans and photos demonstrate the transformation along this vital aquatic trade route. Short videos from social-media posts show the projects as new urban cultural venues and praise the architects’ success. The narrative thread of the exhibition was inspired by the course of the river; this places the projects in a large-scale context.
Former industrial buildings
Most of the cultural structures shown in the exhibition were created by repurposing disused buildings. What once served as production halls are now home to internationally distinguished museums. The fact that the architects respect the industrial character of the structures and complement them with modern additions is particularly apparent in the conversion of an old granary into a modern museum. The redesigned outdoor areas by the river were once the grounds of a coal port.
Long Museum West Bund – museum in the former coal port, © Su Shengliang
Private projects
Two smaller projects in the exhibition highlight the Atelier Deshaus office and a neighbouring teahouse. These two private buildings, like the other projects in the show, were inspired by their direct surroundings and the historical local culture.
Office Atelier Deshaus, © Roy Chen
Work ethic
Apart from designing public buildings, the studio specializes in the respectful upgrading of old industrial relics. By painstakingly reworking what is already there, the architects show how local identity can be preserved in line with ecological sustainability. With the fewest possible direct interventions, Atelier Deshaus creates new, refined concepts and uses that will convince others elsewhere to hold onto existing structures.
Exhibition venue: Aedes Architekturforum, Christinenstraße 18–19, Berlin (DE)
Exhibition dates: 1. April until 17. May 2023
Opening hours: Sunday, Monday 1 pm–5 pm; Tuesday–Friday 11 am–6:30 pm; closed Saturdays
Further information: aedes-arc.de
Gallery
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