Design by 3XN, B+H & Zhubo Design maximises potential of riverfront site

Shenzhen Natural History Museum will open on 28th July, designed by Tenderstream member 3XN alongside B+H and Zhubo Design. The building is set to become the first large-scale comprehensive natural museum in Southern China. Located adjacent to the picturesque Yanzi Lake in the Pingshan district, the 42,000 sq m museum is dedicated to interpreting the laws of natural evolution, revealing the geography and ecology of Shenzhen, and actively advocating science.

Built upon a deep appreciation of the significance of rivers in the local culture, the design aims to capture the distinct atmosphere of a riverfront site and highlight the timeless property of water as a concept. The building rises seamlessly from the river delta, inviting visitors and residents to journey along its accessible green rooftop park. Each of the park's thematic zones showcases a different stage of life on earth, while sharing the common goal of creating attractive teaching spaces which playfully reveal earth’s wonders. While traditional museum displays consist of elements to be viewed from a distance, the landscape fosters dictory with a diverse range of amenities that are intended to be climbed on or touched.

Beyond reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, the design is guided by the interior function. The building’s organic appearance forms around a series of cones which house the exhibition halls. Each of these cones are linked by the structure's sinuous shape, creating an intuitive flow throughout the museum. Upon arrival, visitors enter a light-filled atrium at the heart of the museum, facilitating easy navigation and access to exhibition spaces. An accessible, sloping ramp spirals upwards, visually and physically connecting the floors. 

Kim Herforth Nielsen, Founder and Creative Director of 3XN, states: “With its connection to the existing natural reserves, the Natural History Museum will not just become a destination in its own right but will be part of a much larger and more powerful cultural nucleus that draws together the city, community and nature.”

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

This tender was first published by Tenderstream on 01.04.2020 here

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