Deji Art Museum

PHILIPP MAINZER OFFICE FOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN completes the interior design of Deji Art Museum, located on two levels of the upscale office and shopping mall complex Deji Plaza in Nanjing, China.

Clean volumetric compositions create areas for the presentation of sculptures and art work, offering intriguing perspective and an architectural experience which motivates the visitor to explore the space and discover new paths. Single architectural elements like inserted walls are utilised to structure the journey while their absence in some areas reveals floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing visitors to take a glimpse of the surrounding urban landscape. Focussing on the experience of the user, the architectural concept features intriguing perspectives and playfully incorporates moments of surprise without distracting from the content: a neutral colour palette with white walls and concrete floors accentuates the role of the art work in the double-height space.

Striking a balance between large scale museum and art gallery, Deji Art Museum exemplifies how the presentation of art in a commercial environment can make the subject accessible to a wider audience. Located on the 8th and 10th floor of Deji Plaza, the museum is connected to a bookstore and is part of an overarching concept which PHILIPP MAINZER developed for seven levels of the shopping mall complex. With a focus on wood as the primary material, the museum bookstore deliberately contrasts the reduced art space. Shelving and presentation areas for books, photographs and videos extend across two levels, offering room for interaction and contemplation.

In addition to Deji Art Museum, the concept comprises a range of galleries and a bookstore with café which are to be completed in November 2017.