Shenzhen Natural History Museum
3XN Architects
Copenhagen, Denmark
ROLE
Lead Designer
CLIENT
Chinese Ministry of Culture
PROGRAM
Museum (100,000m²)
LOCATION
Shenzhen, China
STATUS
Under Construction
YEAR
2020 - Ongoing
AWARDS
1st Prize Competition
ABOUT
Our vision is driven by the local ecosystem of the Pingshan area. The Natural History Museum emerges and connects the Yanzi hill on the north-West side with the newly established Yanzi Lake to the East. In a symbiotic process between the built environment and the surrounding nature the museum borrows its concept from the River Delta formations, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature in a continuous dialogue.
At the museum we want to foster spontaneous social and educational exchanges at every twist and turn, whether that is when one is strolling through the lush, outdoor greenways or engaging in an animated exhibition session in one of the exhibition areas. As a result of this rethink, we want to design a series of interwoven indoor and outdoor spaces that are inviting, engaging, interlinked, light-filled and accessible.
An interwoven Delta of activities around the clock.
At the heart of our approach is the relation between nature and humans where the boundaries between internal and external space are intentionally blurred. A truly immersive experience, driven by a sense of discovery and multilateral learning.
A vision that will shape the Pingshan area and beyond through a holistic approach to our understanding of our relation with nature.
Context & Vision
Concept
Exterior View
Concept Diagram
The Natural History Museum was meant to enhance the beauty of the landscape and act as a transition between the river delta and the city.
Flow Diagram
Exhibition Flow
User Flow
The exhibition areas can be found in the interior "cones" of the building. The "corridors" are formed by the buffer areas between the exhibition spaces. The exhibition areas are aligned in one continuous flow, but the organization of the exhibitions also offers multiple choices for visiting. It is easy for the visitor to go through the buffer zone and visit the exhibition of choice.
Plans
The beginning of the exhibition flow starts in the lobby with a ramp to the underground floor. Uses can also access the exhibition levels through the central core that features elevators and stairs.
Exterior View
The main lobby acts as a central meeting point and it marks the beginning and end of the exhibition.
Main Lobby
Lobby & Main Core Section Perspective
The buffer zones, or the spaces between the exhibition "cones" gives visitors a chance to enjoy the exterior view and rest. The interior "cone" exhibition space can be adapted to many different configurations that allow for flexibility.
Buffer Zone
Below is an example of the interior "cone" exhibition space. The ramp also serves as part of the exhibition space while helping continue the flow.
Interior Exhibition
The underground exhibition buffer zone is also visually connected to the ground floor through cut-outs that allow visitors the flexibility of moving vertically.
Underground Exhibition Buffer Zone
The conservation lab serves as research and laboratory space for scientists.
Conservation Lab
