AN EXPLORATION OF M2 ART CENTRE || Ethereal Narratives and Geometric Harmonies
Once a simple wedding dress showroom, the M2 Art Centre in Hangzhou has undergone a profound transformation to become a space for reflection and spiritual exploration.
As society evolves and the traditional bonds of matrimony become a more conscious choice rather than an expected milestone, the designers at SpActrum set out to transform the M2 Art Centre into a versatile venue for various artistic and design activities. A place where individuals could contemplate life's key decisions, such as marriage, in an introspective and thought-provoking environment.
Harmonizing Past and Present, Space and Function
In their design philosophy, SpActrum recognizes the necessity of confronting and transcending conflicts in a contemporary society marked by fragmentation and complexity. This approach was especially evident in the redesign of the M2 Art Centre. Embracing the original characteristics of the site, the design team set out to create a comprehensive artistic space accommodating diverse events, from photography sessions to art exhibitions. This artful juxtaposition of past and present forms the bedrock of M2 Art Centre's unique aesthetic.
The main hall when used as an art exhibition space.
Lighting dramatically changes the environment for the M2 Art Centre.
A model standing in the a spotlight with the hall in red lighting.
Negotiating Space, Design and Society
The design team navigated numerous challenges throughout the creation of the M2 Art Centre. The most significant of these was how to reflect contemporary social attitudes towards marriage while simultaneously fulfilling the functional requirements of a wedding dress showroom. The result was a space designed to inspire women's self-awareness and encourage individual decision-making rather than default expectations.
Transcending Gravitational Boundaries: The Inverted Valley
An integral part of M2 Art Centre's redesign was the creation of an 'Inverted Valley', a high space where the physical constraints of gravity have been momentarily suspended. As visitors traverse this peculiar landscape, their eyes are drawn upwards to geometric hills hanging like art from the ceiling, evoking a sense of anti-gravity. In this tranquil valley, the journey is as essential as the destination, fostering introspection and spiritual exploration.
The entryway from the foyer to the main hall looks like an eyelid.
A Tapestry of Geometric Forms: Black Stones, Cocoon, and Alien Eye
The design journey at M2 Art Centre begins with an encounter with descending black stones in an enigmatic space, leading to a cocoon-like structure resembling an alien eye. This imaginative use of form and geometry creates a sense of mystery and anticipation that prepares the visitor for the spiritual journey ahead.
The entrance foyer with floating black stones.
Life's Journey: A Multi-Sensory Experience
The narrative continues into the main space, where hanging peaks echo physical representations of human senses, whispering tales of life's trials and tribulations. Standing at the end of this sequence, the visitor is left with a sense of sacred calling, as though looking back and understanding the journey they have taken.
Crafting Ethereal Spaces: Techniques and Materials
Mastery of form and geometry is key to SpActrum's design technique. The design team leveraged a range of materials and techniques, such as GRG and GRP, to realize their design visions. This, combined with the judicious use of white marble and extensive light films, gives M2 Art Centre an ethereal feel, making it a symbol of refined architectural elegance.
The materials allowed the team to configure these unconventional curves in the space.
A Spiritual Sanctuary: M2 Art Centre
More than just an artistic space, M2 Art Centre is a spiritual sanctuary infused with multiple meanings and rich symbolism. Through the mastery of geometric form and the metaphorical narrative embedded in its design, the centre provides a concentrated and profound spiritual experience for visitors. M2 Art Centre is more than just a building; it is a monument to the human journey, a testament to the transformative power of art and design.
The sacred arch lit up with an ethereal golden yellow during a performance in the main hall.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Name: M2 Art Centre
Project Address: Xingyao Centre, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, China
Area: 712 sqm
Completion Date: January 2023
Client: MREGINA
Interior Design: SpActrum
Design Director: Yan Pan
Design Team Members: Hao Chen, Zhen Li, Yimeng Tang, Yijie Zhang, Xiao Wan, Jinyu Wan, Yiran Pan
Lighting Design: Xiaohao Guan
Special Curved Surface Construction: EGrow
Overall Contractor: Beijing Jinghui Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.
Customized Space Music: Beijing Beibai Music Culture Co., Ltd.
Photography & Videography: SFAP
Drawings & Illustrations Copyright: SpActrum