![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5707/f2bc/e58e/ce98/ec00/0027/newsletter/image.jpg?1460138679)
Kengo Kuma and Associates has completed its 10,440 square meter Wuxi Vanke arts and shopping complex, a renovated red brick cotton mill in Wuxi, China, featuring an aluminum-clad extension.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5707/f28c/e58e/ce49/2600/006b/newsletter/image.jpg?1460138631)
Drawing inspiration from the shape of the local Taihu stone, a water-worn limestone, the extension utilizes porous, aluminum-cast panels to create an "amoeba-shaped space" that juts out from the rigid structure of the existing brick. Each aluminum panel alternates with open space to give the building a waved outline.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/570a/3320/e58e/ce64/aa00/00c4/medium_jpg/wuxiwanke_11w.jpg?1460286234)
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5707/f23f/e58e/ce49/2600/006a/medium_jpg/image.jpg?1460138554)
Through the perforated facade, sunlight is able to filter into the interior of the building, creating a soft lighting for the arts space.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5707/f2c7/e58e/ce49/2600/006c/newsletter/image.jpg?1460138690)
Furthermore, the building is surrounded by a similarly, wave-shaped pool of water that reflects the facade.
![](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5707/f377/e58e/ce49/2600/0070/newsletter/image.jpg?1460138866)
News via Kengo Kuma and Associates