The rumors are true: Jean Nouvel has been selected as the official winner of the highly acclaimed National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) competition in Beijing. According to Dezeen, the news has been confirmed by Nouvel’s adviser, Oliver Schmitt. Though little has been released about the winning design, earlier reports have described it as a “vast structure” based on the simplicity of a single line - “a single brush stroke.”
In an interview with Financial Times, Nouvel quoted the Chinese artist Shi Tao (1642-1707): “A single line is the source of everything in existence. [...] We started with calligraphy. [...] Pupils used to spend half a year just on that first line with a brush. That first line contains all of Chinese culture – painting, writing and the energy of Chi.”
An official announcement from the Chinese government is still pending. We will keep you updated as the details unfold.
Last year, Nouvel will named as a top contender for the NAMOC, alongside Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry. Once complete, the 20th century art and calligraphy museum will become the centerpiece of a new cultural district at Olympic Park.
Read the Financial Times’ complete report for more information on Nouvel’s project.
