3XN, B+H and Zhubo Design have won an international competition to design the new Shenzhen Natural History Museum. 

The team was selected over 70 proposals submitted from around the world in an international competition. In the competition, fifteen teams were selected for the bidding stage, representing 18 countries across North America, Asia, and Europe.

Once complete, the new building, named Delta, is set to be one Shenzhen’s "Ten Cultural Facilities of the New Era" and the first large-scale comprehensive natural museum Southern China.

Shenzhen Natural History Museum, Waterfront view

The new building will be located adjacent to the picturesque Yanzi Lake in the Pingshan District of Shenzhen. Covering a total of 42,000-square-metre area, the facility will be a world-class natural science museum dedicated to interpreting the laws of natural evolution, showing the geographies of Shenzhen and its ecology in a global perspective, and actively advocating science.

The project rises seamlessly from the river delta, inviting visitors and residents to journey along its accessible green rooftop. The sinuous building features a public park extending throughout the roof and highlights the Natural History Museum’s organic geometries. 

"Like a river stream finding its shape in balance with the earth, every turn frames a new spectacular view over the surrounding park, hills, and lake from dedicated viewing terraces along the roof park," said 3XN in a project description.

Aerial view

The design extends the public park network and aims to maximise access to the lush green areas throughout with a range of activities dedicated to keeping the site open and active throughout the day – from early morning jogs to late evening strolls. 

This gives the opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and connect with nature.

Like water streaming down a river, the undulating form leads guests to a ’cave’ inspired passage that is connected to the to the museum lobby and activated by multiple cafes and public areas, serving as the pulsating heart of the building.

Evening view

"The concept of "Delta" is very creative. The continuously sloping exterior wall with the landscape roof creates a continuous volume and spatial experience. The form of the cliff is very interesting, and the details are handled well. The layout of the museum and its interaction with ramps and walls create interesting spaces," said Philip Cox, Founder Cox Architects.

"This building captures the unique atmosphere of a riverfront site and finds the timeless property of water as a concept... The connection between function, site, concept, structure, material and space is very clear," said Yvonne Farrell, Founder Grafton Architects, laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Entrance Interior

Project facts

Project location: Yanzi Lake, Pingshan Dist., Shenzhen
Team: 3XN, B+H Architects and Zhubo Design
Client: Engineering Design Management Center of Shenzhen Municipal Construction and Public Works Administration
Planned construction area: about 42,000 m2
GFA: tentatively 100,000 m2
Total investment: about 3.5 billion yuan (excluding costs for the tender)

All images courtesy of 3XN

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