Background
Situated in Nanshangang, Sangzhou Town, Ninghai County, Zhejiang, the museum project by UAD is envisioned as a cultural and tourism hub, offering insights into local history and culture. Surrounded by terraced fields and rolling mountains, the site provides a tranquil escape from urban life, with only a country road connecting nearby villages. The natural topography, featuring recessed platforms ascending from north to south, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Nature-Inspired Design
Respecting the natural environment is central to the design ethos of the museum. The architectural form harmonizes with the terraced landform, blending seamlessly into the surroundings. Rooftops are adorned with crops, echoing the adjacent fields. Inside, irregular walls and staggered roofs create unique spatial experiences reminiscent of rural pathways. Natural light floods the interior through windows and skylights, casting dynamic scenes within the space.
Construction
Local materials and craftsmanship take center stage in the construction process. Experienced stonemasons employ indigenous stones to showcase the essence of terraced fields. Meticulous attention to detail, such as stone window frames and drip edges, enhances the authenticity of the design. Interior materials, including fair-faced concrete ceilings and white diatom mud walls, celebrate the rustic charm of countryside architecture.
Recognition
Nestled within the valley, the museum seamlessly integrates into the surrounding landscape, embodying a symbiotic relationship between nature and architecture. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the project reflects broader social, cultural, and technical systems, acknowledging the intrinsic value of local heritage and natural features.
Epilogue
With its unobtrusive design and meticulous craftsmanship, the museum serves as a cultural beacon that honors local traditions and site-specific characteristics. Visitors are invited on a journey of discovery, as they traverse bridges, creeks, and paths, encountering unexpected delights at every turn. Through its vernacular form and understated elegance, the museum emerges as a testament to the enduring beauty of rural life in Ningbo.
