Art Center

In conjunction with Tianjin University

Building Type

Size

Location

Softwares Used

Art Center

11,700 m²

Tianjin, China

Rhino Grasshopper, Blender, Houdini, D5 Render

In conjunction with Tianjin University

Pair - Bernard Lu

Building Type

Size

Location

Softwares Used

Art Center

11,700 m²

Tianjin, China

Rhino Grasshopper, Blender, Houdini, D5 Render

About

The Art Center is a joint architectural project designed through the [Re]Tectonics 3.0 studio, a collaboration between RMIT and Tianjin University. The building emerges as a living organism, its form shaped by a growth algorithm inspired by the natural spread of moss and vines across rocks.

The building's organic processes guide both the accumulation and articulation of the architecture, creating a continuous, evolving surface that integrates structure, landscape, and art. The veins and moss-like forms are realized through 3D printing in steel and concrete, giving the architecture a tangible, sculptural presence. Visitors navigate through the building as though moving within an artwork itself, encountering expressions and installations embedded within the evolving environment.

Cultural Integration

The architecture resonates with the lineage of traditional Chinese homes, adopting a centralized courtyard and a choreography of gardens and interstitial spaces. These elements frame views, guide movement, and orchestrate shifting perceptions. The interplay of natural growth and cultural precedent transforms the structure into a living, expressive canvas where architecture, art, and environment coexist in a continuous cycle of discovery and engagement.

The idea explores printing form for the design using layered steel or metal printing to build and develop forms that are heavy, yet feel light through perforated printing patterns. These patterns modulate mass and transparency, allowing structural weight to be retained while altering perception, light, and airflow through the form.

Form Finding

The building emerges as a living organism, its form shaped by a growth algorithm inspired by the natural spread of moss and vines across rocks. These organic processes guide both the accumulation and articulation of the architecture, creating a continuous and evolving surface that integrates structure, landscape and art. The veins and moss-like forms of the building are realized through 3D printing in steel and concrete, giving the architecture a tangible and sculptural presence. Visitors navigate through the building as though moving within an artwork itself, encountering expressions and installations embedded within the evolving environment.