Wenzhou Urban Wetland Museum

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The project is experimenting with different methods of spatial organization, embedding floating architectural elements which re-appropriates the most classical Chinese architectural/landscape typologies such as courtyard typology, Chinese garden typology, nature parks and figure/ground relationship and mixes it with contemporary architectural language. The output creates a series of inter-mingling spaces taking the visitor to different levels of interiority/exteriority.

Dimensions & Packaging

Building area 20000㎡

Tags

Culture, architecture, museum, public spaces

Production Technology

For the site design, the organic form was inspired by the natural texture of the wetlands. The design follows the natural wetland landscape - we elevate the main body of the building and let the wetlands pass through the empty space, to form a unique wetland experience with a boat tour area. The spatial layout of the exhibition hall is inspired by the courtyard space layout of the local dwellings. Through the difference in elevations, the lower wetland landscape blends into the upper courtyard space. The roof garden follows the height of the exhibition hall and is added to form a wetland layer, an exhibition hall layer – forming a rich interpretation of the three-dimensional space on the roof garden level.

Design Challenge

The most challenging aspect of the design process was to transform the wetland museum into an ecological building that harmonizes the flow between humanity and nature, whilst simultaneously maintaining both characteristics.

Project Duration

The project is located in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China, and was completed in 2017.

Operation Flow

The Wetland Museum is centered at the heart of the wetlands and radiates throughout the entire city. The site is located thirty minutes’ drive from central urban areas. The accessibility of the museum will allow it to become another important public expo-building in Wenzhou.

Research

From the culture and natural environment of Zhejiang, we extracted the traditional residential design elements that symbolize the signature architectural characteristics of the region. The floating boat market symbolizes people and culture and the textural elements of the design symbolizes the natural characteristics of the wetlands. The layout of the residential houses retains and strengthen the style and scale of traditional residential courtyard spaces. These houses combine with the water boat market and the wetlands to form a natural and friendly building place with local characteristics.

Inspiration

The project is located in the city of Wenzhou, China. The wetlands occupy the heart of the city, dividing it into two different zones. The concept of the design is based on the idea of having a cultural place for different groups of people to meet and connect, bridging the past and the present. The main concept is based on redefining the primordial relationship between landscape and architecture.

Image Credits

Paul Bo Peng

Colors of Wenzhou Urban Wetland Museum