DL atelier utilizes alternative circulation plan for porcelain museum in china

beijing-based firm DL atelier has completed a museum for the city of jingdezheng, china. the institution will house the works of local and historic porcelain artisans. the sanbao art museum sits in a serine, tranquil setting — surrounded by nature. the 150 meter long structure was designed to establish a strong contrast with the natural setting — ‘like a scene from 2001: a space odyssey, a huge artificial creation buried in the natural background for years,’ describe the architects. from an exterior view, the linear, geometric architecture implies a deliberate circulation plan, but instead the architects created an overall, serendipitous, labyrinth-like progression through the space. 

the structure was designed to contrast the natural setting of the site
all images by sun haiting

lacking the traditional flow found in most museum designs, the architects experimented with the relationship between the space, art, and the viewer. without the implied progression and circulation it becomes a more freeform experience — giving the visitor more freedom to move, look, and draw individual conclusions about the relationships between the porcelain artworks. in a similar fashion to the artworks themselves, the building was constructed with the implication that, over time, the materials will age. the use of rammed earth, titanium zinc panels, and travertine, allows the design to embrace these changes like the ‘fermentation of wine, where time gives it a unique flavor,’ say the architects.  

use of aging materials allows the integrity of the design to be enhanced rather than diminish with time

‘the museum is a visually linear shape, 150 meters long, but the visiting flow is actually nonlinear, visitors will have multiple choices to go,’ describes DL atelier. ‘the purpose is to boost serendipities between people and spaces, we believe architecture can create the atmosphere with which visitors will have personal connections. once built, exhibited items will no long be important, they will act like mirrors, visitors will be reviewing themselves through these items. I believe true arts are the medium to help ourselves to see the true version of ourselves, sometimes clear, others vague, sometimes real, others fake.’

the 150 meter long museum does not have a linear circulation plan

the visitor is meant to find their own path through the space

the visitor’s chosen circulation plan changes the way they interact with the porcelain objects

the architects curated a labyrinth-like experience

the deep colored materials contrast against the porcelain artworks

the museum is located in sanbao village, known for its flourishing porcelain industry

porcelain artists flock to this location from around china to learn the craft

the influx of porcelain artisans causes a highly competitive environment

the design utilizes rammed earth, titanium zinc panels, and travertine

the sanbao village produces unique soil, slightly red clay

local clay was used to create the continuous loam wall 

the museum is located near the chinese city of jingdezheng

Save

Save