Museum Art Complex and Equestrian Center by CU Office: Combining Artistic Exhibits with Equestrian Activities
Tucked away on the campus of the fresh Yantai City College of Science and Technology, you've got the stunning Yue Art Museum and Yue Equestrian Hall—two badass institutions wrapped into one kickass, 4,500 square meter facade. Phonetically, the "Yue" monikers might sound the same, but they represent distinct Chinese characters: one meaning "artistry" and the other "horsemanship." So, this badass duo is all about creating a diverse environment that nurtures scholarly minds and strong bodies.
The equestrian center—meeting the international FEI standards—packs an advanced indoor arena with top-notch climate control and even lighting. It houses stables, offices, training zones, and reception areas, creating an efficient, all-in-one riding hub. On the flip side, the art museum gears up as a university-run institution for contemporary art, complete with galleries, studio spaces, education workshops, and artist residencies. Plus, there's a cozy café, offices, and storage spaces to fuel a flourishing arts scene.
So, why'd the university bring these two powerhouses together? Well, they're nestled in the growing, suburban Fushan District of Yantai—a region with scant commercial infrastructure. Most students live on campus, so the uni wanted to craft a lively student community. From the get-go, the equestrian center and the art museum were earmarked as key pillars of this vision. With limited campus territory, the architectural geniuses tossed around a wild idea: to unite both equestrian and artistic functions into one architectural complex. And voila! The uni lap it up real quick.
This merging of worlds points back to China's ancient "Six Arts" educational philosophy, which promotes a balanced blend of intellectual, creative, and physical development. By fusing equestrian training with artistic expression, the building proudly showcases the university's determination to churn out students who are physically active and aesthetically cultured. Far from being mere side attractions, these facilities represent the very essence of modern holistic education.
With open arms, the shared facility invites students across all disciplines and serves as a bridge between the university and the broader community. World-class equestrian trainers and contemporary artists from all over China and the globe flock to partake in events, residencies, and workshops, creating a constantly evolving and electrifying cultural hub. As the academic year open its gates for new students, the facility acts as a steadfast motor for activities and interactions, fueling the university and the surrounding region with cultural and social energy.
The complex, situated near the northern gateway of the campus, was built with practical constraints in mind—think limited land and funds. Sticking to the footprint required for an indoor equestrian arena meant a simple, rectangular shape supported by a robust portal frame structure. The western side of the building forms its main facade, boasting a straightforward, minimalist design that resembles a vintage stable, blending the rustic charm of a barn with the timeless elegance of a basilica. It's a modest, yet powerful gesture that perfectly embodies the duality of the facility: a gathering space for horse-loving artists and artsy equestrians, alike.
Footnotes:[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11782-016-0842-y[2] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311662221_Local_University-Industry_Collaborations_Focusing_on_Creative_Industries
The complex, a blend of art and equestrianism, offers contemporary art galleries, studio spaces, and artist residencies for a flourishing arts scene, similar to a home-and-garden nurturing creativity. On the other hand, the equestrian center, adhering to FEI standards, provides football-sized indoor arenas, stables, offices, and training zones, mirroring a lifestyle of sports and horse-riding. This university-supported facility aims to encourage students with a balanced mix of intellectual, creative, and physical development, Inducing modern holistic education just like the ancient Six Arts philosophy.
