Designwire

M2 Art Centre: An Inverted Valley

Towards Inner Journeys

The Origin of M2

M2 Art Centre is a multifunctional art space located in Hangzhou, which originated from a wedding dress showroom. The initial function setting of the space triggered a reflection on women and their choices in marriage and relationships: Marriage is no longer a default option for everyone in contemporary society but rather a rational choice for individuals to grasp their own lives.

Therefore, can a contemporary commercial exhibition space be expanded into a mind-body journey with some psychic touch, providing an opportunity for introspection and contemplation of life before the wedding moment? Can a space imbued with profound meaning serve as a versatile venue in the city, hosting various artistic and design activities? The design team SpActrum and the owner of M2 embarked on an unusual exploration together.

Techniques & Materials

There are two aspects of design techniques explored in M2 Art Centre project: 1) how to use spatial geometry to convey emotions and create feelings, 2) how to use materials and techniques to realize the design.

In terms of the first aspect, SpActrum explores the potentials of space and establishes four different geometric languages: flat geometry, regular surfaces, free-form surfaces, and symmetrical freeform surfaces. These correspond to the cocoon (the cradle when people leave their homes), classical temples (human wisdom and rationality), nature (essentially the humanization of nature, including an understanding of chaos), and divinity (absolute grandeur), respectively. SpActrum understands the intentions that come with form, allowing rich associations and references to be established in the space, creating a hierarchical relationship that extends the meaning of the space beyond the built space.

In terms of the second aspect, the GRG and GRP shaping techniques meet the possibilities of all curved surfaces, and the use of white marble echoes classical architecture, while the extensive use of light films brings an endless sense of space. SpActrum establishes a connection between geometry and emotion through geometric manipulation, which originates from our deep collective memory as humans and goes beyond the original narrative, becoming our intuitive response to the space.

M2 Art centre is a place with unique spiritual characteristics and rich symbolic meanings. Through metaphorical spatial narrative and the use of different categories of geometric forms under the control of superb geometric mastery, the space is endowed with ambiguous and multiple meanings, with many metaphors and references hidden in the pure geometric forms. The result is a space that offers a concentrated and profound spiritual experience, and provides Hangzhou a platform for various new ideas, aesthetics, arts to be communicated and promoted.

Project Information

Project Name: M2 Art Centre

Project Address: Xingyao Centre, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, China

Area: 712 sqm

Completion Date: January 2023

Client: MREGINA

Interior Design: SpActrum

Design Director: Yan Pan

Design Team Members: Hao Chen, Zhen Li, Yimeng Tang, Yijie

Zhang, Xiao Wan, Jinyu Wan, Yiran Pan

Lighting Design: Xiaohao Guan

Special Curved Surface Construction: EGrow

Overall Contractor: Beijing Jinghui Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.

Customized Space Music: Beijing Beibai Music Culture Co., Ltd.

Photography & Videography: SFAP

Drawings & Illustrations