The Midea Science Exhibition Center, designed by Atelier Ma and completed in 2024, utilizes a 5,379 m² footprint to blend minimalist architecture with scientific innovation. Located across from Tadao Ando’s He Art Museum, the facility employs a square courtyard typology and a restrained material palette of white engineered stone and ultra-clear glass to create a symbiotic relationship between technology and nature.
Why is the Midea Science Center shifting toward minimalist precision?
According to the architects, the project translates the essence of technology into architectural form by prioritizing “extreme simplicity.” This approach moves away from ornamental design to emphasize precision. The center uses a specific combination of white engineered stone, black exposed ceilings, and ultra-clear glass to manifest this aesthetic.
By utilizing a square courtyard typology, the design references traditional Chinese architecture. This creates a deliberate contrast with the circular geometry of the neighboring He Art Museum, establishing a dialogue between two different architectural philosophies in a single location.
How does the “Symbiosis of Technology and Nature” affect modern design?
The Midea Science Exhibition Center explores the interplay between openness and enclosure. Rather than isolating technology within a sterile box, the design uses a rhythmic sequence of spaces that allow nature to permeate the scientific environment.
While the He Art Museum focuses on the “quietude of light,” the Midea center focuses on the functional symbiosis of the built environment and the natural world. This distinction shows how two neighboring structures can use different geometric languages—circular versus square—to achieve similar goals of serenity and focus.
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This is evident in the choice of a square courtyard, which anchors the 2024 project in historical tradition while serving a modern purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Midea Science Exhibition Center?
The project was led by architect Ma Long of Atelier Ma.
What is the total area of the facility?
The center covers a total area of 5,379 m².
When was the project completed?
The architecture project was completed in 2024.
What materials were used in the construction?
The architects used white engineered stone, ultra-clear glass, and black exposed ceilings, with products sourced from DuPont, Corian, CSG, and Dagu Cement.
What do you think about the contrast between circular and square architectural typologies in urban planning? Let us know in the comments or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights into minimalist design.
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