designed by Perkins+Will, has opened in Shanghai. The
44,517m
than 10,000 artifacts from all seven continents. The
building includes exhibit spaces, a 4D theater, an outdoor
exhibit garden, and a 30m tall atrium that welcomes
visitors with an abundance of natural light filtered through
a striking glass wall inspired by the cellular structure of
plants and animals.
competition that included entries from some of the world's
best known architects. The overall shape and building
organization was inspired by the nautilus shell, one of the
purest geometric forms found in nature. Natural elements
are depicted across the building's façades including the
central cell wall representing the cellular structure of
plants and animals, the east living wall signifying earth's
vegetation, and the northern stone wall suggesting shifting
tectonic plates and canyon walls eroded by rivers.
gardens was key to the design. Through its integration with
the site, the building represents the harmony of the human
and the natural and is an abstraction of the basic elements
of Chinese art and design.
by using an intelligent building skin that maximizes
daylight and minimizes solar gain. The oval courtyard pond
provides evaporative cooling, while the temperature of the
building is regulated with a geothermal system that uses
energy from the earth for heating and cooling. Rain water
is collected from the vegetated roof and stored in the pond
along with recycled grey water. All of the energy features of
the museum are part of exhibits which explain the story of
the museum.
museum has a special place in their memories. Likewise,
there is much excitement surrounding the opening of the
new museum, which will have a similar place in the hearts
of both residents and tourists alike. The museum will bring
a renewed experience of natural history to this city for
generations to come.
downtown Shanghai, and within the Jing An Sculpture Park.
The building replaces the original Natural History Museum
and improves the museum's ability to exhibit its collection
with 20 times more exhibition space.
designed by Perkins+Will.
http://perkinswill.com/type/museums