Emperor of Ming Dynasty Cultural Museum

The Garden within the Garden/ Located in Zhongxiang, the project is a theme pavilion for emperor Jiajing, one of Ming Dynasty Emperors, who was born here. Close to the World Heritage Xianling Tomb, one of the Imperial Tombs of Ming Dynasty, and east to Mo Chou Lake, the site is of graceful scenery.

The design is endowed with two temperaments of “Tradition and Localization”. The theme of Ming Dynasty Emperor is presented through the square layout of the building by its solemnity and order. Besides, the spatial axis from the stone gateway, the cultural relic of Ming, to the main hall delivers the image of history and tradition. As for localization, the design pictures a Chinese garden. The site is surrounded with hills and lakes. The museum with a winding pathway inside shows an open and welcoming status to the outside. Huge stones and the mirror pool imply the notion that “the Knowledgeable persons love (the fluidity of) water, the benevolent persons appreciate (the solidity of) mountains” stated in Confucian Bible.
The design lays emphasis on the interpenetration of “inside and outside”. In contrast to the halls or the outer environment, the winding pathway merges privacy with publicity. Thus, the museum improves the quality of publicity by the design of semi-public space. Local people could enjoy the pathway around the halls even when the museum is closed.
The design tries to balance between “simplicity and complexity”. Simplicity and complexity coexist under comparison, while being strengthened in turn. The delicate carving artistry of the stone gateway stands out against the simplicity of the white wall outside as the main façade. Meanwhile, the museum captures the natural beauty by reflecting shadows of alternating nature on the white wall, as the picturesque image of traditional Chinese landscape.

Location: Zhongxiang, Hubei, China/
Client: Zhongxiang Municipal Government, Hubei/
Completed: 2012/
Site Area: 7.9 hectares/
Total Floor Area: 5157 sq.m.

Architects: Shan Jun/
Design Team: Lu Xiangdong, Tie Lei, Wang Xin, Sun Xian, Luo Jing, Zhong Le, Liu Si/
Landscape Architects: Zhu Yufan, Liu Jing/
Photos: Tie Lei, Wang Xin

Emperor of Ming Dynasty Cultural Museum by JUN SHAN in China won the WA Award Cycle 16. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.