An industrial hall in the Baoshan district of Shanghai that has been vacant since 2016 is set to become the new headquarters of the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts. The building is set to become a central hub for the local and international art scenes in Shanghai.
Only a central access axis will be added to the existing support system, which will be upgraded for this purpose, and the building’s steel truss structure will be retained. Additionally, two large transverse incisions will divide the complex, which is over 800 metres long, into sections. Bridge-like structures will be inserted at these points, together with the existing supporting elements, to bridge the new street spaces created here. The existing striking skylights will be upgraded and re-roofed. Together with the large openings, these will allow light and natural ventilation (the chimney effect) into the central movement axis and emphasise the building’s open, industrial character. New entrance areas will be created at each end of the hall and supplemented with upgraded or new components.
Overall, a high proportion of the existing structural elements will be retained and reused. The careful refurbishment and preservation of these striking features will emphasise the character of the site in its new role.
This project is considered an important example of sustainable development in the conversion of existing buildings in China and worldwide.
