Gazing at the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition, have you ever wondered how two distinct entities could merge into one stunning structure? The Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition or MOCAPE is not just one museum. It combines the Museum of Contemporary Art MOCA and the Planning Exhibition PE. Together, they form a cultural meeting point in Shenzhen.
The Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition was completed in 2016. Coop Himmelb(l)au were the architects. It covers an area of 80,000 square meters.
MOCAPE is part of the Futian Cultural District master plan. It sits in Shenzhen’s new urban center. MOCAPE fills the last gap in the district. It stands between the Youth Activity Hall and the opera-library complex.
Both museums emphasize their unique needs. Yet, they are unified in a monolithic form. This form is wrapped in a multifunctional facade. The transparent facade and lighting invite views into the building. From inside the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition, the city is visible. The exhibition areas are open and column-free. They range from 6 to 17 meters high.
Ramps and escalators lead to the Plaza. It acts as a starting point for museum tours. Cultural events, a hall, auditoriums, and a library are accessible from the Plaza.
A silvery Cloud serves as a central point. It helps visitors navigate the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition. The Cloud houses a café, bookstore, and museum store. It connects the exhibition rooms with bridges and ramps. Its curved surface reflects the idea of two museums under one roof.
The main level is 10 meters above ground. This creates a stage-like platform. It unifies MOCAPE with nearby buildings.
The exterior has stone louvers and insulated glass. This creates a dynamic surface. It is independent of the museum’s framework. This skin surrounds the museums, the Cloud, the Plaza, and the base.
MOCAPE uses renewable energy. Solar and geothermal energy are used. A ground water cooling system is implemented. The roof filters daylight. This reduces the need for artificial light in the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition.
With these features, the Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition is both an architectural and ecological landmark. It is an environmentally friendly project. It stands as a testament to innovative design. It also highlights sustainable practices in urban development.