Fab-Union Space by Archi-Union Architects // Shanghai, China.

Intimately realising algorithmic formwork-design, this concrete experiment effortlessly moves beyond the negative stigmas associated to machined architectures and exemplifies a red-hot piece of interiority that is well worth a sneak peek. Echoing good-ol’ Corb and his novel uses of concrete, Archi-Union have adopted modern digital fabrication techniques to create some truly fluid spaces. Going beyond their algorithmic natures, the interiors in FU Space intimately leads us through a ‘curvalicious’ journey that celebrates concrete digital fabrication and the promise it holds for future architectural use, beautifully demonstrating a new-found level of control over the dreaded double-curved surface.

Springing up in Shanghai’s West-Bund district, FU Space houses a non-for-profit coordination centre for local architects and artists, as well as an exhibition space for China‘s rising cultural prodigies. Preaching to China’s architectural scene, FU space lies as a sculpture amongst a sea of galleries. Exhibiting a single, monolithic curve from the exterior, the building would otherwise appear as yet another concrete box with timber formwork expressed. Kind of same-same… but wait. The difference lies within.

Offsetting the angularity and hard-lined nature of the external façade, a central stair flows upwards through a series of double folded surfaces. All meeting at sharp-lined edges; delicately juxtaposing the natural fluidity of the concrete. Offsetting the timber formwork expressed in the vertical partitions, timber floors run counter to the walls; creating a patchwork of timber materiality throughout. Also look at those stairs. Beautifully nestled in their own, super particular concrete casings. There’d be little standardisation used within this building, and in my book that’s ace.

As more designers play with, experiment and adopt new technologies and create new techniques to implement them, this brave Chinese jewel starts revealing a future face of architecture that is frankly, pretty cool. Absolutely nailing it, Archi-Union architects are sure to keep pushing this design process further and to new heights. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Images courtesy of Archi-Union Architects. Photography by Hao Chen and Shengliang.]