French architect enlisted for Hengqin culture edifice

Hengqin New Area is looking to have a world-class design by renowned French architect Paul Andreu who conceived plans for the National Grand Theater of China, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, and Guangzhou Gymnasium.

Andreu, 81, is professor of architecture at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou and maintains a private practice. He surveyed Hengqin New Area on May 11 and discussed urban planning with local officials headed by Hengqin New Area Administrative Committee director Niu Jing.

Paul Andreu [File photo]

He was joined by other architects who were also invited by Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Pan-Tourism Development Co Ltd. The purpose was to develop an international high-quality cultural and art building benchmark. To accomplish this, Hengqin will depend on the architects' influence to connect with quality resources such as world-top culture and art galleries, exhibitions and events, and experiential art-themed businesses. 

Andreu showed keen interest to Hengqin as he insisted on walking personally on the scene and cross-questioned details concerning different areas. He even climbed to the top of the Da Heng Qin Mt to overlook the entire Hengqin New Area and raised many professional questions. He also visited the Hengqin New Area Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, and presented his opinions and suggestions on urban design.