Kengo Kuma and Associates has completed its 10,440 square meter Wuxi Vanke arts and shopping complex, a renovated red brick cotton mill in Wuxi, China, featuring an aluminum-clad extension. 

© Eiichi Kano Via Kengo Kuma and Associates

Kengo Kuma and Associates has completed its 10,440 square meter Wuxi Vanke arts and shopping complex, a renovated red brick cotton mill in Wuxi, China, featuring an aluminum-clad extension. 

© Eiichi Kano Via Kengo Kuma and Associates

Drawing inspiration from the shape of the local Taihu stone, a water-worn limestone, the extension utilizes porous, aluminum-cast panels to create an "amoeba-shaped space" that juts out from the rigid structure of the existing brick. Each aluminum panel alternates with open space to give the building a waved outline.
© Eiichi Kano Via Kengo Kuma and Associates

© Eiichi Kano Via Kengo Kuma and Associates

Through the perforated facade, sunlight is able to filter into the interior of the building, creating a soft lighting for the arts space.

© Eiichi Kano Via Kengo Kuma and Associates

Furthermore, the building is surrounded by a similarly, wave-shaped pool of water that reflects the facade. 

© Eiichi Kano Via Kengo Kuma and Associates

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