The Oriental Art Center in Shangha (China)

was designed by Paul Andreu

The Architect Paul Andreu

He's a french architect, born in 1938 and he's best known for designing numerous airports
worldwide (including Paris-Orly Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport).
He took part in La Cit Europe in Calais, as well.

His work The Oriental Art Center

The construction started in 2002 and was completed two years later in 2004.
About the Architecture :

We can say that this work is a kind of modern architecture, because of several
characteristics :
The use of modern materials and systems, as his reinforced concrete frame, his steel
roof girders and his facades of laminated glass, incorporating perforated metal sheets.

the glass allows a generous use of natural light and the large
expanses of floor to ceiling glass provide dramatic views.
As well, the ceiling of the building is high-tech : the color changes
during the night.
The five halls or petals , which resemble a kind of flower (or a butterfly, according to
your imagination) from above are interconnected, which means that the spaces are no
longer defined by walls, or doors. There is a large emphasis on open interior spaces in
this building. [To avoid confusion when you are inside, the interior of each of the five petals are
decorated with large coloured pebbles, which are hung on the walls. It is a means of differentiating
them.]

Decorative molds or elaborate trimmings outside are eliminated. This lack of

ornement is a characteristic of the modernism as well.

Reasons why I chose/liked this work :

The shape of the roof, above, surprised me. It is original and it is the first reason why I liked this
work, without going into further detail.
I think that, just by his presence, the building is in a position to convey emotions through its
materials, playing with natural light but also thanks to this kind of lotus blossom in the flower
shape. I see the flower as a sort of delicacy, or a cocoon where moments are shared, and at the same
time, feelings are as well. At first, I thought the building was really mysterious but it is home to
many concert halls, exhibitions and opera, and all these cultural facilities make you feel emotions.
This interpretation gives a certain magic to the place and this is why I chose it for this homework.