The Suzhou visitor centre in China has been transformed into a cultural and dynamic space. The renovation of the building (official name: Suzhou Public Cultural Visitor Centre) has just been completed by Tsing-Tien Making, a young Chinese practice that formed part of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024. The new design intertwines the city’s artistic heritage within a carefully crafted service hub.
The Suzhou Public Cultural Visitor Centre
Founder of Tsing-Tien Making and Suzhou-born architect Freja Bao gathered design inspiration from her travels and observing international architecture. It was when she returned to Suzhou that she noticed a gap in public awareness and perceptions of design. Drawing upon this, Bao has taken on the challenge to introduce and experiment with novel architectural concepts that could enrich the local landscape, which she has shown in the unveiling of this project in her home town.
Bao previously told Wallpaper*: ‘My intention is to bridge this gap by integrating global architectural principles with local sensibilities, thereby fostering a more informed and appreciative public discourse around design.
‘Moreover, my vernacular roots have profoundly shaped my architectural perceptions and methodologies. Growing up immersed in the rich cultural and historical heritage of Suzhou, I developed a deep-seated appreciation for traditional aesthetics, craftsmanship, and the harmonious integration of built environments with natural surroundings.
'This background has instilled in me a unique perspective that values both the preservation of cultural identity and the pursuit of contemporary innovation.'
The new centre not only serves as a dynamic hub for seven other cultural destinations within the area, but also acts as a community base to showcase local folk arts and a space to support young artists.
The dual functionality of the centre was taken into consideration for the design. As a result, the building integrates modular roofs and adaptable display elements, so the space can easily evolve and adapt to future needs.
-
'You can feel their presence': step inside the Eames' Pacific Palisades residenceCharles and Ray Eames’ descendants are exploring new ways to preserve the designers’ legacy, as the couple’s masterpiece Pacific Palisades residence reopens following the recent LA fires
-
The great American museum boomNine of the world’s top ten most expensive, recently announced cultural projects are in the US. What is driving this investment, and is this statistic sustainable?
-
Here’s how Heathrow is reimagining airport chaos as ambient musicGrammy-nominated Jordan Rakei turns travel noise into a meditative soundtrack by sampling everything from baggage belts to jet engines
-
A nature-inspired Chinese art centre cuts a crisp figure in a Guiyang parkA new Chinese art centre by Atelier Xi in the country's Guizhou Province is designed to bring together nature, art and community
-
Zaha Hadid Architects’ spaceship-like Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum is now openLast week, ZHA announced the opening of its latest project: a museum in Shenzhen, China, dedicated to the power of technological advancements. It was only fitting, therefore, that the building design should embrace innovation
-
A Xingfa cement factory’s reimagining breathes new life into an abandoned industrial siteWe tour the Xingfa cement factory in China, where a redesign by landscape architecture firm SWA completely transforms an old industrial site into a lush park
-
Bold, geometric minimalism rules at Toteme’s new store by Herzog & de Meuron in ChinaToteme launches a bold, monochromatic new store in Beijing – the brand’s first in China – created by Swiss architecture masters Herzog & de Meuron
-
The upcoming Zaha Hadid Architects projects set to transform the horizonA peek at Zaha Hadid Architects’ future projects, which will comprise some of the most innovative and intriguing structures in the world
-
Liu Jiakun wins 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize: explore the Chinese architect's workLiu Jiakun, 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate, is celebrated for his 'deep coherence', quality and transcendent architecture
-
Zaha Hadid Architects reveals plans for a futuristic project in Shaoxing, ChinaThe cultural and arts centre looks breathtakingly modern, but takes cues from the ancient history of Shaoxing
-
The Hengqin Culture and Art Complex is China’s newest cultural megastructureAtelier Apeiron’s Hengqin Culture and Art Complex strides across its waterside site on vast arches, bringing a host of facilities and public spaces to one of China’s most rapidly urbanising areas
