A visionary ahead of his time

The architecture of the Gongwang Art Museum blends traditional Chinese elements with modern aesthetics. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Wang used the smaller residential structures in the village as a canvas for the experimentation of his ideas. He used stones, old tiles and materials that are usually considered worthless to construct new village homes and this process helped him determine what he would do for the design of the Gongwang Art Museum.

While the Gongwang Art Museum might be a large compound, its imposing size is tempered by the roof's long and soft curves which are reminiscent of the mountain ridges in the distance.

But not everyone was in awe of Wang's creations. Some have raised their concerns with leakage issues, high maintenance and how his buildings are too distinctive in style, which in turn steal attention from the exhibits on display.

However, Li Lei, director of China Art Museum Shanghai, begged to differ, saying that a fine piece of architecture like what Wang has created is "a bold challenge to pragmatism".

"The building itself is a piece of art ... Apart from the skyscrapers that are mushrooming all over China, the country needs architecture for aesthetic appreciation and spiritual fulfillment too," said Li.

"As the nation's ideas develop in tandem with economic growth, there will be cultural awakening, and people will soon be able to appreciate great architecture."