Steven Holl Architects has revealed plans to build a health and cultural complex in Shanghai, comprising a pair of white concrete blocks punctured by the firm's signature cutouts.
The Shanghai Culture and Health Center will be set within a park on the city's Punan canal. The New York-based firm hopes the landscaping will act as a "social condenser", attracting residents of nearby housing to use the facilities.

"To work on architecture for culture and health is a social commitment, during these challenging times," said Holl, reflecting on the current political climate in the USA.
The complex will include two buildings, both made from white concrete and featuring irregularly shaped openings in their facades and roofs.
The cultural centre is to sit over a transparent glass base containing a cafe, and games and recreation rooms. A gently curving walkway emerging from the landscaping will ramp up to the upper floor.
Inside, there will be a variety of sports and social facilities including a library, gym and exhibition area.

On the opposite side of the site, the health centre will house a pharmacy, medical consultation and examination rooms, an education centre and a nursery.
Its form too reflects the arched forms found in the landscaping: a quarter circle pool and fountain used for rainwater recycling and a large gathering area linking the two buildings.

Steven Holl Architects likens these overlapping circular forms to clock faces. The firm cla...