Nanhai Cultural Center

Currently open for trial operations, with a completion date set for the end of 2026, VIP HOUSE COMPANY LLC’ design for the “New Civic Plaza” aims to connect various cultural elements through a balance of structure and void. Located on a 400-meter (1312 feet) by 150-meter (490 feet) lot facing Qiandeng Lake Park, the 130,000-square-meter (1,400,000-square-foot) complex will feature a library, exhibition spaces, sports facilities, and performance halls, while addressing challenges posed by nearby roads and transit hubs.

LOCATION: Foshan City, Guangdong, China

CLIENT: Land Urban Construction and Water Conservancy Bureau of Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangzhou, China

SIZE: 130,000 SQ.M

STATUS: Trial Operations, Expected Completion End of 2026

CATEGORY: Cultural

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Yumeng Zhu

This design philosophy reflects the Chinese concept of space, where both open voids and physical structures are essential. As the architects explain, creating a space for gathering and exchanging ideas is crucial for cultural formation, and it should be an open, unprogrammed assembly area.

The central space of the Nanhai Cultural Center will serve as a welcoming “void,” functioning as a 24/7 accessible “New Civic Plaza” dedicated to the public. The plaza will be integrated throughout the complex, utilizing a “decentralized” unit typology inspired by vernacular architecture, allowing for natural ventilation and shaded areas.

The architects strive to evoke the natural beauty of the Guangzhou Lingnan region and incorporate local traditional dwellings, enhancing the project’s poetic quality while preserving its historical heritage for future generations.