24 April 2018
A wonderful space, completely dedicated to design interpreted as a social catalyst. The first of its kind in China, and definitely a symbol of the enormous changes taking place.
Inaugurated last December, it is the first Chinese museum dedicated to design; a 70 thousand square metre space, spread out over six floors, envisioned in a new manner, planned to be experiential and to accommodate several exhibitions at the same time. Not simply an exhibition space, it consists of: a museum, a theatre, a multi-functional hall, a private gallery, café, restaurant and many areas dedicated providing shopping facilities, including a space where you can buy the creations of talented young Chinese designers. Stemming from the partnership between China Merchants Shekou and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, designed by the Japanese studio led by Fumihiko Maki, and distinguished by an innovative structure illustrating the renewal, it stands out in the complex urban context of dynamic Shenzhen. This city, situated in Guangdong Province, bordering with Hong Kong, and only 30 minutes by high-velocity train from the capital Guangzhou, has in fact recorded record growth levels in the last few years, in both economic and demographic terms. A structure that is both simple and well-structured at the same time, on the city seafront, consisting of a pedestal and a pavilion supporting three volumes that follow the morphological lines of the land; each volume focuses on a significant element: one faces south, towards the ocean, another north, towards the mountains, and the third onto the adjoining park.
The museum, directed by the Dutch historian, critic and author Ole Bouman, has exhibition spaces that can accommodate several shows at the same time, some managed directly by the partners: Main Gallery, V&A Gallery, Park View Gallery, Shenzhen UCCN Exchange Center, Shekou Museum of Reform and Opening and Shenzhen Guanfu Museum.
The exhibition season of the Main Gallery is inaugurated by the Minding the Digital show, with the project by the Dutch studio MVRDV, dedicated to exploring the relationship between life, design and technology.
