A groundbreaking cultural project in Foshan, China, has successfully transformed a collection of deteriorating ceramic workshops into a vibrant artistic destination that bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovation. The No. 7 Ceramic Art Research Base Phase One, designed by Atelier cnS, represents a comprehensive revitalization of the historic Shiwan district, renowned as one of Southern China's most important ceramic production centers.
Completed in 2024, the 6,552-square-meter complex serves multiple functions as an international youth community, art workshop space, urban park, and creative incubator for master ceramic artisans. The project is strategically located along Zhongxin Road, adjacent to the Tanzhou Waterway, and directly faces the National 4A Scenic Spot Nanfeng Ancient Kiln. This prime positioning connects the new facility to existing cultural attractions while leveraging the area's rich historical backdrop of Fengshui Pond and ancestral temples.
The architectural team, led by Gang Song, Zhiyuan Zhu, and Guanqiu Zhong, drew profound inspiration from the region's ceramic heritage, particularly the famous Dragon Kiln at Nanfeng Ancient Kiln. The design replicates the kiln's distinctive tiered, mountain-adjacent structure while incorporating characteristic arched elements that evoke the essence of ceramic artistry. Light and shadow effects throughout the complex simulate the atmospheric smoke rising from traditional ceramic kilns, creating an immersive experience that transports visitors into the historical legacy of generations-old craftsmanship.
Color played a crucial role in the project's artistic vision, with designers extracting hues directly from local ceramic traditions. The warm red tones reference the brick construction of the Dragon Kiln, while refreshing blue accents draw from the distinctive coloring of Shiwan figurines. This deliberate color contrast symbolizes the successful integration and innovation between traditional methods and modern approaches, creating a visual dialogue between past and present.
Before renovation, the site consisted primarily of dilapidated ceramic workshops and warehouses characterized by disorganized structures, random additions, and blocked pathways. The area suffered from a lack of open space and poor overall environmental conditions. Despite their run-down appearance, these buildings contained significant historical memories and cultural value that the design team was determined to preserve and celebrate.
The renovation strategy involved careful assessment and sorting of existing structures, with buildings of little value or those obstructing necessary space being demolished to make way for improved layouts. New buildings were strategically introduced while preserving elements of historical and cultural significance to highlight the project's unique character and heritage. Several ceramic masters have already established studios on-site, with some personally participating in the renovation of their workspace facades.
The complex currently houses several prestigious art museums, including the Pan Bolin Art Museum, Wei Hua Art Museum, and Wang Rongmao Art Museum. The Pan Bolin Art Museum and Wang Rongmao Art Museum underwent independent renovations that achieved a seamless blend of modern ceramic art and architectural techniques, injecting vital energy into the overall project. These spaces demonstrate how contemporary museum design can honor traditional craftsmanship while meeting modern exhibition standards.
Building No. 3, transformed into a dedicated ceramic art space, exemplifies the project's innovative approach to adaptive reuse. A glazed corridor was added to the building's south side, serving as a pedestrian walkway that connects various functional areas while creating a vibrant blue art-filled pathway. This addition maximizes space utilization while preserving the original structural integrity of the historic building.
Taofeng Square stands as one of the project's most significant landmarks, regularly hosting cultural festivals and outdoor performance events that have made it a popular destination for both local residents and tourists. The square is surrounded by carefully designed landscaped greenery, providing visitors with a beautiful environment for relaxation and cultural engagement. This outdoor space demonstrates how cultural preservation projects can create community gathering places that serve broader social functions.
The No. 7 Ceramic Art Research Base forms an integral part of a larger cultural tourism route that connects the historic Nanfeng Ancient Kiln with the contemporary Art Wharf No. 8. This strategic positioning creates a comprehensive framework where different cultural sites complement each other and share resources, promoting both the preservation and development of ceramic culture across the region. The project actively embraces modern innovation while introducing new forms of spatial expression that align with contemporary cultural trends.
The development enhances the quality of cultural exhibitions while creating dynamic spaces that celebrate ceramic culture through various programs including artist residencies, educational workshops, and public art installations. These diverse offerings cater to different audiences, from serious collectors and students to casual tourists interested in learning about traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Construction of the second phase of the No. 7 Ceramic Art Research Base is currently underway, along with other significant Shiwan developments including Hongwei Hill and Starlight Garden. The design team remains committed to their core concept of 'Revealing Natural Beauty, Inheriting Culture, and Fostering Innovation and Integration' as they continue to improve regional quality and transform the area into a recognized hub of ceramic culture and a hotspot for youth innovation and entrepreneurship. This ongoing development promises to further establish Foshan's position as a leading center for ceramic arts in contemporary China.
