White with water: A gallery proposal by MAD Architects.
Images: MAD Architects.
Dr No, or for that matter any of the classic Bond characters seeking world domination, would have certainly approved of the proposals for the Pingtan Art museum designed by MAD Architects for the Fujian province of China.
These days however, the plans for world domination are softer in scope, and in this case, seek to corner a large slice of the Asian art market.
When completed, the building will be the largest private art museum in Asia, and will exhibit over a thousand works in its début collection.A prominent feature of the museum is the way it is set within the water on its own island. It will become a new public place apparently tethered to the main island like a futuristic yacht; the plaything of a wealthy man. The proposal's white smooth form reinforces the nautical metaphor of craft rather than fish.
The building's construction will be of light coloured concrete mixed with local seashells. It suggests a different metaphor, that of local ancient caves, well known in the district.
However it is viewed, it will always appear spectacular, and in the best Bond tradition, almost unbelievable.
Gratitude to Evolo.
Gallery