Jia Art, a new gallery designed by Foster + Partners, has opened its doors. The building is an integral part of the practice’s concept masterplan for the Changfeng mixed-use development in Shanghai’s Putuo District. Located on the recently completed southern plot of the development, the gallery sits at the intersection of two primary axes and acts as the social heart of the scheme.
Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners, said: “Jia Art is a project that demonstrates the significance of embedding art and culture in our cities. It will bring life to the public spaces, nurturing a sense of community identity, while playing an important role in integrating our new Changfeng development into the wider fabric of Shanghai.”
Gerard Evenden, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of Jia Art. The gallery represents the heart of our Changfeng mixed-use development and will anchor the scheme as a vibrant new locale in Shanghai’s Putuo District. With its distinctive form, dynamic façade, and light-filled gallery spaces, the building gives back to the district and supports the development’s community ethos.”
Jia Art features 5000-square-metres of flexible exhibition, event, and educational spaces, providing a central location where the local community can gather and exchange ideas. Displaying a mixture of contemporary art and more traditional pieces, the gallery consists of two buildings that are joined by a double height atrium. The north building houses the main exhibition areas, while the south building contains hospitality spaces and additional exhibition spaces, as well as an area for lectures.
The design is inspired by spring blessing flowers found in the local Changfeng park, with the gallery’s form emulating four petals. The petals grow from the building’s base, curving upwards and outwards to create the roof. Natural light enters the gallery’s atria and exhibition spaces through a central glass skylight, which integrates seamlessly with the petaloid form.
John Blythe, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, added: “Drawing on the geometry of a blossoming flower, the gallery is characterised by its curvilinear form that appears to grow outwards from its centre. The building’s inherent symmetry establishes a sense of calm and balance in this fast-paced city.”
The human scale of the gallery works in congruence with the broader development – and creates a warm and inviting setting for visitors and locals alike. Its façade features tubular glass ribs that travel vertically up the building, alongside mirror-finished stainless-steel curved back panelling. The ribs reflect daylight during the day and can be illuminated at night to create a dynamic and animated profile. Ultra-High Performance Concrete panels on the west facade enhance privacy.
The central atrium is characterised by its striking curved form that echoes the building’s exterior. This creates a coherent design language, with the interior architecture resonating with the exterior expression. The exhibition spaces feature a soft, natural colour palette that works in harmony with the petal motif.
The Changfeng development exemplifies a ‘Live-Work-Play’ approach to mixed-use urban design, bringing together retail, offices, affordable housing, public facilities, cultural buildings, and recreational areas. Extensive landscaping on the west side of the development will connect with the district’s larger green corridor along the river, supporting the project’s wellbeing and community focus.
