Liangzhu Museum

The museum is composed of four bar-shaped volumes equal in width (eighteen metres) but differing in height. The transition between these volumes is accentuated by generous courtyards varying in size and atmosphere. While some adhere to the cloister typology of an arcade surrounding a garden or pool in the middle, the main entrance courtyard is hard surfaced and dotted with deciduous trees, and leads into a top-lit entrance hall. The courtyards are the key element in both compositional and museological terms.

The exhibition material is displayed in large black-box exhibition halls. These halls allow for the creation of bespoke settings for the thematically designed exhibitions. In contrast, the landscaped courtyards offer visitors relief from these immersive experiences and an opportunity to linger and relax. Despite the dominant linearity of the overall composition, a generous number of openings between the four bars avoid a prescribed tour route through the museum, allowing the visitor to move in and out of the galleries and courtyards with ease.

The building structure is made of a concrete frame structure and clad entirely with Iranian travertine stone. All edge details are designed for the stone to be read as solid rather than clad material. The stone was selected for its warm colour and deep texture, and its consistent use provides a connection to traditional Chinese buildings where courtyards can be found behind solid stone walls. The second most prominent material is ipe wood, which is used throughout for elements such as doors, the reception desk and other furniture.