Nestled at the foot of Red Mountain in Nanjing, the Red Box exhibition center emerges as a striking testament to architectural innovation and artistic finesse. Crafted by the skilled hands of Chinese studio Mix Architecture, this monolithic structure showcases the seamless fusion of red concrete, angular cut-outs, and serene courtyards. With an intentional nod to the local environment's color palette and historical elements, Red Box stands as a captivating piece of architectural ingenuity.
(Photo: Arch-Exist)
Exterior Aesthetics
Red Box introduces itself with an angled cut-out at the front, forming a dynamic entrance bathed in natural light through a circular roof opening. The red board-marked concrete exterior, a homage to the region's red-brick buildings and iron oxide-rich soil, creates an illusion of being "carved from a complete stone." According to Ziye Wu, co-founder of Mix Architecture, the design responds to the historical industrial structures in the vicinity, harmonizing in scale and color.
Moving beyond the entrance, the 700-square-meter interior maintains the continuity of red board-marked concrete, ensuring a seamless transition from exterior to interior. The studio's vision is for visitors to perceive an alternate world within the red stone. The dimly lit ground floor houses an exhibition hall, lobby, reception center, service room, bathrooms, and storage areas, each element carefully integrated into the overall design.
Courtyards and Water Features
The thoughtful design extends to the outdoor spaces, where openings around the exhibition hall lead to a water feature and courtyard adorned with a path of red pavers. The back of the building opens to a courtyard with large glass panels facing the mountain, facilitating a harmonious interaction between the built environment and nature. A second courtyard on the ground floor, enclosed by a curved concrete wall, further enhances the connection to the sky and draws natural light.
Upper-Level Highlights
Ascending to the upper level, Red Box unfolds additional exhibition space in two rooms connected by an external terrace with timber decking. The facade of this level features brick-sized perforations, strategically allowing sunlight to grace the interior during the day while transforming into a captivating illumination at night. Black steel becomes a unifying element throughout the structure, from columns and window frames to gallery-style light fixtures and the central staircase.
Red Elegance, Globally Noted
The distinctive use of red concrete in Red Box echoes a global architectural trend, evident in projects like the Real de Los Reyes housing complex in Mexico City and The Walls teaching restaurant in Xiamutang. The allure of this vibrant material transcends borders, demonstrating its ability to infuse character and warmth into diverse architectural contexts.
In conclusion, the Red Box exhibition center is a testament to Mix Architecture's ability to blend historical context, natural elements, and modern aesthetics seamlessly. As the angular cut-outs break the monotony of the red monolith and courtyards offer tranquil respites, Red Box emerges as an exhibition space and a harmonious architectural symphony in the heart of Nanjing.