Sky Light Gallery by People's Architecture Office: A Harmony of Geometry and Light

The Sky Light Gallery by People's Architecture Office (PAO) is a masterful blend of abstract geometry and innovative design, seamlessly integrated into the natural beauty of Mentougou, China. Completed in 2021, this 300 m² gallery forms a focal point in TANKO Park, offering a space for exhibitions and events while complementing the surrounding picturesque landscape.

Exterior Design: Abstract Forms in Harmony with Nature

The Sky Light Gallery captivates with its striking geometric facade, combining functionality and aesthetics. The creased lower facade deforms to include integrated public seating, transforming the building into a social space. These thoughtfully designed outdoor areas invite visitors to engage with the architecture while enjoying panoramic views of TANKO Park.

Pyramidal Light Wells

Towering pyramidal structures crown the building, doubling as both light wells and visual landmarks. These architectural features enhance the visibility of the gallery within the park and beyond, emphasizing its prominence as a cultural hub.

Interior Innovation: Daylight Diffusion Through Hyperbolic Paraboloids

Inside the gallery, the ceiling is adorned with a grid of intricately crafted skylight modules made of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC). The modules take the shape of hyperbolic paraboloids, stretching across the edges and diagonals of a cube to create a dynamic, sculptural form.

Optimal Lighting Design

Simulations ensured the gallery’s interior remains bathed in soft, even daylight throughout the year. The skylight modules filter strong sunlight, reducing glare and fluctuations in natural light. This design creates an ideal environment for exhibitions by delivering consistent illumination while preventing direct sunlight from entering the space.

Integrated Artificial Lighting

For cloudy days or evening events, artificial lighting is incorporated into the bottom frame of each skylight module. This design element reflects light downward, maintaining the gallery's luminous ambiance and highlighting the ceiling's sculptural beauty.

Material and Structural Expertise

The innovative design of the skylight modules showcases the versatility of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC). Each module is supported by a durable steel frame, balancing aesthetic appeal with structural integrity.

Collaborative Design Efforts

• Landscape Consultant: Farmerson Architects
• Structural Consultant: Beijing Shouan Architectural Structure Studio
• Lighting Consultant: X Studio and Tsinghua University's School of Architecture

The collaboration among experts ensures that every element of the gallery aligns with its aesthetic and functional goals.

A Cultural Landmark in TANKO Park

TANKO Park, a vibrant public space in Mentougou, is celebrated for hosting cultural events and facilities. The Sky Light Gallery stands out as one of seven architectural projects designed by PAO for the park. It anchors a prominent route, enhancing the park’s role as a community and cultural epicenter.

Community Engagement Through Design

By integrating public seating into its facade and providing a luminous, welcoming interior, the gallery fosters community interaction and engagement with art and culture.

The Sky Light Gallery by People's Architecture Office exemplifies the fusion of innovative architectural techniques with a deep respect for nature and community. Its iconic geometric design, optimized lighting solutions, and thoughtful integration into TANKO Park make it a landmark in Mentougou, China.

Whether admired from a distance or experienced up close, the gallery showcases architecture's ability to harmonize form, function, and environment.

All the photographs are work of Yumeng Zhu, People’s Architecture Office