Looks can be deceiving

"The latest heavyweight public cultural events, those of the greatest market appeal, will first land in Shanghai, while visiting exhibitions and museums is now a part of daily life. Shanghai has the greatest cultural consumption in the whole country."

Because of this, the city's cultural structures have turned to prioritizing their functions, efficiency, quality of the exhibition space and integration with the urban landscaping instead of aiming to become another landmark, explains You.

"As the city's aesthetics become mature, a large number of Shanghai's newly completed cultural architecture are repurposed industrial heritage sites," he wrote. "These buildings keep alive the city's history, and achieve a better economic effect."

Chen Chen, director of Atelier Jean Nouvel in China, says that the French architect does not stick to a particular style, but instead responds to the surroundings and locations.

The design of MAP may look simple, but it actually consists of rich details and boasts a poetic maneuvering of natural light, Chen says.

For example, the two halls in MAP facing the river feature large glass windows that reflect the sights of the river and the Bund while also allowing people to view the art shows being held within, thus creating a fourth dimension that transcends the museum space and architecture, says Nouvel.