In the year 2022, various architects were invited to design a public art complex at the AYDC in Guiyang. AYDC (A Yun Duo Cang) was derived from the Yi language “our land of dreams,” proposing a culture-driven experiential hub integrating the community, culture, nature, and innovation. Atelier Xi has designed the AYDC Center that unfolds into a series of sculpted pavilions along the landscape of the context. The complex was initially designed as a single building, now split into several sculpted structures across the landscape. It was completed in 2022 in multiple phases, designed to promote a community expression.
The art complex reimagines how architecture integrates communities that are culture-driven. The spaces designed are embedded in the landscape, yet each is distinctively designed and connected to the community, offering a flexible platform for the local art community to gather and create. The entire complex is composed of distinct interconnected spaces such as the Ginkgo Chapel, Xima Library, and the Dali Stage. Each space in the complex integrates the architecture within the environment, which acts as a reading, performing, and flexible space for the community.
The three spaces, library, chapel, and stage, have been envisioned as three sculptural forms that are inspired by elements of the surrounding landscape: water, open sky, and twinkling starlight. The forms of the spaces are shaped by spaces and light, and shapes showcasing a structural balance and tension, forms such as carved inward arches, suspended pointed arches, etc. The complex is composed of three separate pavilions, but each space serves a different function with a unified architectural language.
Sculpted spaces of the Complex
The AYDC complex is composed of unique interconnected spaces such as the Ginkgo Chapel, Xima Library, and the Dali Stage.
1. Xima Library – The Xima Library, situated within the Center Plaza, sits amidst the reflective pool. The sculpted mass of the library is carved out with a luminous metallic dome on the inside, with a travertine exterior. The interiors of the library are composed of curved stainless-steel plates that have different light and glow effects throughout the day
2. Ginkgo Chapel – The chapel is composed of a unique and characteristic architecture with four massive stone volumes. The volume of the structure has been inspired by gingko leaves, creating a vaulted mass interior. The curved exteriors on all four sides of the mass create a narrow entrance to the open-to-sky interior chamber.
3. Dali Stage – The open-to-sky stage facing the public square of the art complex creates a sculptural space between the architecture and its performance. The shell of the architecture is created by the negative imprint of an invisible arch, creating an impression of the spaces scooped out.
AYDC Public Art Centre project details;
Project name: AYDC Public Art Centre
Location: Guiyang, China
Architect: Atelier XI
Year: 2024
Photography: Chao Zhang
