A team made up of Copenhagen’s 3XN, multinational B+H and China’s Zhubo Design, has won the competition for Shenzhen’s 42,000 sq m Natural History Museum in southeast China.
Located adjacent to the Yanzi Lake in the Pingshan district, the 100,000 sq m facility will be dedicated to interpreting the laws of natural evolution, as well as showcasing the natural environment of Shenzhen.
The winning design has a winding, sinuous form resembling a snake or a river, and features a public park on its roof.
According to 3XN, the building’s shape is "like a river stream finding its shape in balance with the earth", with every turn "framing a spectacular view over the surrounding park, hills and lake from dedicated viewing terraces".
Philip Cox, a design competition judge, said: "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."
A 15-strong shortlist was selected from 70 teams that entered the design competition.
Images courtesy of 3XN
