Art park: Contemporary design in ancient forest

Covering 115 acres, the park – which, although incomplete, has just opened – will feature 24 uniquely designed buildings when finished. The architects were limited on building size but were given an unlimited budget to create whatever they wanted, and most of the buildings relate to the nature that surrounds them.

The aim of the project, owned by property developer Lu Jun, was to create a showcase for modern architecture. The site will also includes villas, a conference centre and a hotel.

‘Contemporary art and architecture were not accepted here in Nanjing,’ Lu, told The Wall Street Journal. ‘I wanted to change the narrow minds here.’

Although a different designer created each building, there is a similarity throughout, referencing the Chinese landscape where they are situated. For more on localist architecture, read our Crafted Locale design direction.