Geological forms inspire winning design by Pelli Clark Pelli

In 2017, a contest was launched to find design concepts for a new Natural History Museum located in the historically rich city of Chengdu, China. The competition notice, released by Chengdu Urban Construction Investment Management Group, is viewable in the TenderStream archive here.

Now, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, in collaboration with China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute Corp Ltd, have been announced as the winners among a strong field of competitors which included Zaha Hadid Architects, Sutherland Hussey Harris, Nihon Sekkei, Valode & Pistre, and FUKSAS.  

The winning concept was inspired by the natural geological features found in the Sichuan Basin. Over time, volcanic activity and shifting tectonic plate movements caused an uplift of the plateau, creating forms unique to the local environment. As a reference to this environment, the building is a mountain-shaped structure, containing a tall central atrium filled with natural light, crossed by sky-bridges and connecting to exhibits and public amenity areas.

Outside, the design was influenced by the ancient Shu water irrigation system, with reflecting pools and tributaries framing the museum. One member of the Expert Jury Panel remarked: “The greatest feature of this design is that it managed to maintain a vertical visual impression of the building while the human-scale experience of it is in a horizontal way. The scheme integrates architecture, landscape, and the surrounding environment well.”

The museum is expected to become an important cultural landmark for Chengdu, which is in the midst of an economic boom as a new high-tech and entrepreneurial hub. Kristin Hawkins, Associate Principal of Pelli Clark Pelli, stated: “We look forward to a strong partnership with our client and CSWADI toward creating a building that embodies the uniqueness of the city of Chengdu and the mission of this important cultural institution within the community.” 

Completion is currently scheduled for 2021.

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Head of Research

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