The Museum of Art Pudong (MAP) will unveil its special fifth-anniversary exhibition, Jean Nouvel: Without the Artist, Architecture Disappears, on June 27.

The exhibition marks the first time that the world-renowned architect Jean Nouvel has staged a solo exhibition in a building he designed. It is also the first architecture-themed exhibition presented since MAP opened.

Widely regarded as one of the defining figures of contemporary architecture, Nouvel is known for an architectural philosophy deeply rooted in place, context, and atmosphere, giving each of his projects a distinctive identity.

Since establishing his first atelier in 1970, the acclaimed French architect has created numerous iconic projects around the world, including MAP, which opened in Shanghai's Lujiazui area in July 2021 and has since become one of the city's major cultural landmarks.

MAP's architectural character is defined by minimalist geometric lines, expansive and adaptable gallery spaces, sophisticated use of natural light, and a seamless dialogue with the Lujiazui skyline and the landscape of the Huangpu River.

The interior also incorporates Nouvel's signature "framed view" concept. By day, the two-story mirror gallery facing the Bund reflects the Huangpu River and the historic buildings along the Bund. At night, illuminated LED screens transform the space into a striking visual centerpiece.

The upcoming exhibition will be Nouvel's largest solo exhibition to date in terms of the number of projects presented, showcasing more than five decades of architectural achievements through videos, scale models, archival documents, and recreated studio settings.

One highlight is a recreation of the studio setting of Ateliers Jean Nouvel, complete with 16 computers that allow visitors to explore archives for more than 400 architectural projects alongside over 100 design works created by Nouvel himself. The archives include both iconic completed projects and unrealized concepts and proposals, offering a rare look into the architect's creative process.

If you go

When: June 27 to Aug 31

Where: Museum of Art Pudong, No 2777 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Source: thepaper.cn