Wuxi Art Museum: The Architecture of Nature
Images by Ennead Architects
This unique project communicates ecological architecture in form of natural erosion of spirit stones. Designed and unveiled by one of the New York’s architectural studios, Ennead Architects. The museum which is built in the city of Wuxi, China, was named after its location Wuxi Art Museum. The building structures comes with perforated surfaces and eroded hollows to honor the Taihu Stone, some kind of limestone that’s mostly used in traditional gardens in the region.
Wuxi Art Museum will be located within a local wetland park
Both the perforated facade and large voids mimic erosion’s impact on the porous Taihu Stone.
The punctuated limestone facade and translucent glass curtain wall influences the interior of the museum by giving rooms to natural daylight while creating a contrasted finish between roughness and smooth. A civic plaza that hosts art was built alongside the museum, the plaza, different gardens and courtyards give visitors flexible space to enjoy art projections, movie screenings and performances. The architectural firm behind the exclusive project Ennead Architects in collaboration with West 8 Landscape Architects, designed the surrounding landscape based on the local wetland ecology and canal system.
The carved voids from the base of the building will be used as sheltered outdoor spaces for hosting events and exhibitions.
The design of the structure is informed by Taihu stone featuring perforated surfaces and eroded hollows
Edited by M.J. for Buildace Magazine