Location
Situated in the Binhai New Area on Tianjin’s eastern coast, this project lies at the heart of the Bohai Economic Circle. It is adjacent to prominent landmarks such as the Tianjin Aircraft Carrier Theme Park, the Ocean Museum, and the Binhai Mazu Cultural Park. This vibrant area combines entertainment, relaxation, education, and culture, offering a diverse living environment. The site’s prime seaside location provides a unique setting for exhibitions and immersive experiences.
Concept
The bay area’s design is guided by the fundamental principles of points, lines, and surfaces, crafting a modern urban spatial sequence that connects people, sea, and sky. Inspired by waves, the architecture centers on the theme of “water,” drawing from the imagery of water droplets and waves to create a reflective dialogue with the sea. This wave motif shapes the architectural character, forging a harmonious interaction between the built environment and nature. Positioned at the meeting point of land and sea, the architecture embodies new symbolic significance.
△ Wave-inspired shape generation
Function
The exhibition area comprises three main functional zones: the Wave Art Museum, the Outdoor Sunshine Theater, and the Public Activity Area. Each connects seamlessly with the adjacent leisure beach, while the building maintains separation from the sand dunes and reefs. A suspended spatial structure unites these elements, integrating sea views into a harmonious spatial rhythm.
At the building’s junction, three outdoor terraces face the sea, offering additional space for visitors to unwind. Here, senses are immersed in the natural sounds alone, fostering a profound connection between people, sea, air, and sunlight.
Parametric Design
The building’s exterior employs an integrated parametric design, featuring fish scale-shaped aluminum panels meticulously arranged to reflect sunlight from varying angles throughout the day. The surrounding water pools amplify this effect by diffusing light onto the facade, creating dynamic patterns of light and shadow. A column-free interior space spans over 30 meters, made possible by a clever thin-shell structural system. The vertical spatial design is divided into three sections, ensuring balanced force distribution in all directions.
BIM Technology
Using BIM technology, over 13,000 uniquely sized fish scale aluminum panels were fabricated and assembled on the facade. This creates a textured, rhythmic pattern spiraling upwards in both directions. The facade balances virtual and real elements while ensuring efficient insulation and uniform lighting. All mechanical and electrical systems are concealed underground, achieving a seamless integration between roof and exterior. The building’s pure form is the result of advanced technological collaboration.
Interior Space
The interior design evokes the essence of “water”—a fundamental element of nature—through the use of ceiling fabrics, printed glass screens, and transparent floor-to-ceiling glass walls. These elements, combined with views of distant clouds and mist, create a cohesive and calming cultural ambiance.
The main hall on the first floor features a circular geometric layout, with streams of light piercing the otherwise dim space. The lobby incorporates water curtains and stainless steel, evoking a serene underwater atmosphere that engages both sight and touch. The second level is enclosed by a lightweight, large glass curtain wall, with glass panels up to 8 meters high, flooding the space with natural light and sea views, effectively dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior.
Design Drawings
△ General layout plan
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Third floor plan
△ Roof plan
△ East & South elevation views
△ West & North elevation views
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Shimao Tianjin · Wave Art Museum
Location: Central Fishing Port Economic Zone, Binhai New Area, Tianjin
Function: Art and Exhibition
Owner: Shimao Real Estate Holdings
Architectural Design: Beijing Riqing Architectural Design
Design Director: Song Zhaofang
Planning Team (Shanghai Riqing): Pan Xiaobo, Wu Shuguang, Ren Yue, Luo Jia, Liu Wenfeng, Feng Bo, Zhu Tianpeng, Wei Mengrou, Yang Dehe, Shen Chenyun
Art Museum Demonstration Zone Team: Wu Shuguang, Pan Peicheng, Xu Tao, Zhang Chende, Dong Liangchen, Tu Yuxuan
Construction Drawing Design: Tianjin Tianyou Architectural Design Co., Ltd
Structural Engineering: Yuan Xin Engineering Consultant (Shanghai) Firm
Landscape Design: Tianjin Donglin Zhujing Landscape Planning and Design Co., Ltd
Interior Design: Shanghai Biyu Environmental Art Design Firm
Curtain Wall Design: Shanghai Hengli Yijian Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd
BIM Design: Beijing Internet Cube Technology Service Co., Ltd
Main Structure Construction: Tianyuan Construction Group Co., Ltd
Curtain Wall Construction: Beijing Tiancheng Yingliang Stone Co., Ltd
Building Area: 3,563 square meters
Land Area: 31,471 square meters
Architectural Photography: Xingzhi Imaging
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up