ON SITE: construction progressing at the Jinghe New City Culture & Art Centre near Xi’an The centre’s design is defined by the city’s existing urban masterplan to connect the new multimedia library to the north of Jinghe Avenue with the new performing arts theatre, multi-function halls, studios and exhibition galleries to the south via elevated courtyards, gardens and paths that span the avenue’s eight lanes of traffic below. Weaving through the city to link its northern commercial and residential districts with the parks and river to the south, while also bringing the city’s residents into the heart of the building and providing direct access to the planned metro station—defining a gateway to the district’s network of elevated public walkways. Organized as a series of flowing volumes, layers and surfaces interconnected with courtyards and landscapes, the design defines a sequence of interior and exterior spaces for its community. Solar radiation analysis and responsive site planning optimise the centre’s use of natural ventilation and daylight in the mild temperate climate of Jinghe New City. Incorporating photovoltaic panels for on-site power generation together with rainwater collection, the centre’s construction prioritises locally-produced materials and recycled content to achieve a 3-star certification in China’s Green Building program. Construction photos: Zue Yumeng Renders: ATCHAIN
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+5
Remarkable progress and an extraordinary vision taking shape. The way this project threads itself through the urban fabric, creating connections between community, culture and landscape, is truly inspiring. The flowing geometry, the integration of courtyards and the commitment to sustainable strategies reflect a design approach that is both bold and deeply human. A beautiful example of architecture shaping movement, experience and place. ✨
As someone who lives in the land of 90° corners... this is a thrilling reminder that architecture can bend reality and still meet code.
A profoundly impressive undertaking Zaha Hadid Architects seamlessly synthesizing architectural expression, environmental stewardship, and urban interconnectivity. A distinguished exemplar of how cultural infrastructure can meaningfully influence community dynamics and the evolution of future-oriented cities.
An inspiring project that truly redefines cultural infrastructure. The way the design weaves together landscapes, public pathways, and sustainable features is remarkable. Should the need ever arise to physically represent this visionary gateway—whether for stakeholder engagement or public display—we would be honoured to help bring the Jinghe New City Culture & Art Centre to life through architectural modelling. Looking forward to seeing this landmark take shape.
The way the volumes weave across the site is incredible. It feels less like a building and more like the city folding into itself.
Incredible how the flowing volumes and elevated courtyards weave the city into the building. A powerful demonstration of architecture as connective infrastructure.
Exceptional progress. ZHA’s flowing forms and integrated urban design continue to set a global benchmark in cultural architecture. 👏
The same style in all buildings, ZHA and MAD.It is REALLY boring!🥱🥱🥱
Can’t wait to see this one built — another remarkable project rising in the heartland of China!
What stands out here is how the architecture doesn’t just house culture, it connects it. This is infrastructure as civic choreography: stitching districts together, pulling residents into the heart of the building, and turning an eight-lane divide into a public corridor rather than a barrier. ZHA’s work here reinforces a truth many cities forget: cultural assets only reach their full power when mobility, public realm, and environmental intelligence are designed as one system. Jinghe’s choice to elevate walkways, embed transit, and integrate climate-responsive geometry isn’t aesthetic flourish, it’s long-horizon urban strategy. ✅ Follow Scott Hartkopf for bold C-Suite perspectives on Architecture, Interior Design and the Future of Work.