The Jiageng Art Center is situated on Xinglinwan Road in Jimei, Xiamen. It is part of the “Jimei Central Area Public Building Complex Project” and plays a vital role in the “Island Inside and Outside Integration” development strategy. Named in honor of Mr. Chen Jiageng, this expansive cultural center covers a land area of 29,457 square meters, with a total construction area of 63,028 square meters.
▲ Front facade of the art center
▲ Main Entrance Square
As a landmark public building, the project embraces the essence of Xiamen’s urban character—the “Jiageng style.” This guiding philosophy shapes the design, establishing a harmonious relationship with surrounding architectural complexes to create a distinctive “contextual” identity. The design expresses Xiamen’s architectural cultural spirit by weaving traditional elements with modern aesthetics, resulting in a dynamic spatial sequence that blends heritage with contemporary innovation.
▲ Southwest facade featuring expansive eaves
A Multifunctional Art Complex
The building’s layout runs east to west and divides into three primary zones: the central entrance hall, the northern theater and rehearsal rooms, and the southern cinema and multifunctional hall. Inside, visitors can find amenities including restaurants, boutique shops, cafes, and exhibition spaces, making the center a comprehensive cultural hub with diverse functions and grand scale.
▲ Functional layout overview
▲ Main entrance shared hall
▲ Grand Theater Auditorium
▲ Cinema
Jiageng Style: Creating a Sense of Place
In architectural terms, “place” is expressed through “context,” which represents historical continuity shaped by the evolution of surrounding buildings and urban environments. The “Jiageng style” embodies this cultural context, linking the Jiageng Art Center with the broader “Jimei Central District Public Building Group.” Together, they create iconic urban landmarks that guide pedestrians and enrich the area’s identity. The consistent application of the Jiageng style amplifies the urban fabric, fostering a strong sense of place through architectural scale and harmony.
▲ Northeast facade
▲ Aerial view of public buildings in Jimei Central District
▲ Xiamen University South Building Complex
Coordination and Sequence: Shaping Urban Space
The Jiageng Art Center integrates urban elements by harmonizing its scale and form with the adjacent Civic Square to the east and the Administrative Center to the north.
The Civic Square spans over Xinglinwan Road, creating an elevated platform. The art center’s main entrance is positioned on the second floor, linking directly to the Civic Square. This design expands the urban space, strengthening the connection between the square, administrative center, and the art center itself.
By situating the motor vehicle lane on the ground floor, the design frees up more public space and effectively reduces urban traffic congestion.
The main building establishes a progressive spatial relationship with multiple squares, featuring a large concave, arc-shaped corridor and tower at the entrance. This design resembles an ancient “gatehouse,” emphasizing the grandeur of the entry and serving as a distinctive landmark visible from afar.
The enclosed corridor and curved square evoke the spatial dynamics of St. Peter’s Square, creating a welcoming sense of enclosure and multiple spatial layers: from Citizen Square to Curved Square, Entrance Corridor, and finally the Indoor Hall.
▲ Main Entrance Square
▲ Overall coordination
▲ Platform expanding urban space
▲ Three-dimensional transportation system
▲ Multi-level entrance space
Strict and Dignified: Emphasizing the “Cultural Will”
The design embodies Xiamen’s cultural spirit through traditional architectural principles such as symmetry, proportion, order, and rhythm.
The facade features a symmetrical vertical axis divided into three parts: a Chinese-style roof and eaves, a Western-style main roof, and a solid base. The design is precise and orderly, with a sturdy foundation and deep eaves crowning the structure. Raised corners and twin towers at the entrance create a dynamic skyline.
Both interior and exterior details emphasize intricate patterns, moldings, and finishes. The reddish-brown tile walls reflect a fusion of Chinese and Western aesthetics. This classical approach centers on balance and grandeur, presenting a dignified “Jiageng style” that embodies both contemporary flair and cultural depth.
▲ Symmetrical axis of the main facade
▲ Symmetrical axis inside the main hall
▲ Three-part architectural composition
▲ Western-style main roof with Chinese-style corner ridges
▲ Western-style decorative mountain flowers
▲ Large Chinese-style roof with corner ridges
▲ Interior design blending Chinese and Western elements
▲ Interior arches
▲ Interior style combining Chinese and Western design
▲ Interior arches
▲ Interior design blending Chinese and Western elements
▲ Inside the auditorium
▲ Inside the auditorium
▲ Auditorium sound-reflecting wall
▲ Inside the auditorium
Project Drawings
▲ General layout plan
▲ First floor plan
▲ Second floor plan
▲ Third floor plan
▲ Elevation view
▲ Sectional view
Project Information
Project Name: Jiageng Art Center
Design Firm: Tongji University Architectural Design and Research Institute (Group) Co., Ltd
Company Website: __AI_ST_URL_0__
Contact Email: __AI_S_SC0__
Year Completed: 2015
Building Area: 63,028 square meters
Address: Xinglinwan Road, Jimei District, Xiamen City, Fujian Province
Project Manager: Wang Wensheng
Architectural Designers: Wang Hui, Xi Xiuwen, Li Heng
Structural Engineers: Lu Xiuli, Meng Chunguang, Kong Qingyu
Client: Xiamen East District Development Company
Construction Contractor: China Construction Third Engineering Group Co., Ltd
Stage Design: Shanghai Stage Technology Research Institute
Stage Machinery: Zhejiang Dafeng
Interior Design: Shanghai Modern Architectural Environment Design Institute
Acoustic Design: Acoustic Institute of East China Architectural Design and Research Institute
Photographer: Ma Yuan
Award: Outstanding Work Award at the 8th Architectural Creation Award, Shanghai Architectural Society, 2019
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