Midway between Shanghai and ancient Hangzhou, Jiaxing has grown over time around a web of grand canals and lakes. Hovering over one of those lakes is the new Gingko Gallery, designed on an island by Shanghai-based Dutch practice More as its own self-contained village, with fluid, free-flowing spaces of all sizes to be explored. Built in ‘modest’ poured-in-place concrete with triple-height windows facing north onto the water, it emphasises connection with the surrounding nature.

The architects call it ‘humble’, an antidote to China’s imposing mega-museums where ‘art and nature merge into one immersive experience’. Aside from lofty, light-bathed galleries for art, the building also offers an auditorium, reading room and workshop hall, connected by ‘streets’ running in an east-west direction. Yet, the spaces were left open for interpretation from the curators. The uncluttered design is helped by the board-formed, horizontally placed cast concrete. Solid walls support the curved concrete slabs, which extend up to 17 metres and filter the incoming natural light. Smooth green aluminium window mullions and beechwood details create textural contrast.

The island property is landscaped around outdoor sculpture. Curved pathways meander through the gardens and skim the lake for a walking-on-water effect. They also cut through clusters of ginkgo trees that surround the building.

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