The Ark is MAD Architect’s design for the renovation of the Shanghai Zhangjiang Cement Factory warehouse. MAD's renovation envisions a three-dimensional hierarchy of time and physical dimensions through the juxtaposition of old and new structures. Like a rising ark, the transformed building will bring new life to the decaying industrial site by transforming the park into a multifunctional public waterfront space integrating culture, creativity, commerce and shared offices. The renovation will preserve the original industrial architectural look of the warehouse as the old roof is replaced by an ark-like metal 'floating' volume.
The contrast between the roughness of the old concrete and the smoothness of the new metal will give new life to the dilapidated factory building. The long mottled façade of the original industrial building has been repaired and reinforced to become part of the memory and soul of the new space. The west wall facing the Zhangjiang Sub-centre was removed and replaced by a full-face suspended glass curtain wall, which is set back from the original wall to create a 24-hour urban public space on the outside.
The bright, open factory space is visible from behind the transparent glass curtain wall. The design takes advantage of the long, narrow and tall volume of the warehouse to create an interior space with a great sense of depth. As one enters the interior, one is greeted by an unfolding giant ark. A metal ladder leads up to the roof, attracting people to embark on a journey to explore the future and the unknown. Underneath the ark are the mottled walls of the old factory building and a tiered garden. The gardens are filled with creative, cultural and catering businesses that together create a vibrant new community that can activate the larger urban space.