In an international competition for the conversion of a former stainless steel factory into an art academy in Shanghai, schlaich bergermann partner advised the architects of gmp on the structural design. The resulting design emerged as winner, competing among others against the concepts of Kengo Kuma & Associates and Perkins & Will. The project is considered an important example in the revitalization of existing buildings in China and worldwide.
Located in the Baoshan district of Shanghai, the factory hall, disused since 2016, is to be converted and become the new headquarters of the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts. It is intended to become a central focus point for the local art scene in Shanghai and provide a new international art hub. The 860-meter-long factory will retain its basic structure and will include studios, a publicly accessible forum with restaurants and retail areas, a library, sports facilities, a museum and other exhibition areas, as well as optional facilities.
For this purpose, a corridor will be created in the core of the factory building by frames made of weatherproof steel along the entire length of the building. Steel trusses are placed along this corridor to support the load of the structure. There are five points where the axis can be crossed and where the corridor spans as a bridge. Large skylights and extensive glazed facades emphasize the open, industrial character of the building.
