red brick facade with angular windows enfolds multi-use building in china's art district

steel frame supports prefabricated red brick wall structure

The Guangzhou North Island Creative Park Management Center, a project by Mutual Architecture, stands within the North Island Creative Park in Guangzhou’s Haizhu District, China, once the site of the Guangzhou Thirteen Factories. The park, featuring spaces for design, advertising, and creative arts, transforms the historic wharf and warehouse into a contemporary leisure and art exhibition space. The design navigates the challenge of integrating the area’s industrial past with current functional requirements and aesthetic values. Retaining the characteristics of the original square factory floor plan, large-scale structures, and brick facades, the project utilizes a steel frame supporting prefabricated red brick walls, enhancing the industrial atmosphere. The facade, characterized by rhythmically ‘folded walls’ and an array of windows, achieves cohesiveness.

all images by Huang Miangui

‘folded wall’ facade fuses with district’s industrial aesthetic

The ‘folded walls’ add depth to the building but also reduce direct sun exposure, enhancing interior comfort. The property’s southern side features a grove of tall trees, contributing to a play of light and shade during the day. The design incorporates the changing shadows cast by the trees adding to the dynamic facade. The building’s lantern-like interior lighting engages in a visual dialogue with the surrounding trees and streets. Functionally, the compact footprint accommodates various purposes, including reception, office, dining, meeting rooms, art studios, and lounges. A prefabricated steel staircase connects the floors, optimizing space efficiency. The third-floor art studio stands out with adaptable sliding walls, catering to diverse spatial needs. The center by Mutual Architecture encourages interaction within the park, fostering a dynamic environment.

the project employs a steel frame supporting prefabricated red brick walls

the facade is characterized by rhythmically ‘folded walls’ and large windows

the project merges the site’s industrial legacy with present-day aesthetic values

the design complies with the typical square factory floor plan and brick facades of the area

the ‘folded walls’ not only add depth to the building but strategically reduce direct sun exposure

the project establishes a balance between industrial heritage and contemporary functionality

the center accommodates various functions, including offices, art studios, and lounges

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a prefabricated steel staircase efficiently connects the floors

the third-floor art studio stands out with adaptable sliding walls, catering to diverse spatial needs

project info:

name: Guangzhou North Island Creative Park Management Center
architect: Mutual Architecture

location: Guangzhou, China

photography: Huang Miangui

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom