SITE+CHALLEGE:
Dapeng Peninsula is situated on the southern coast of China, across from Hong Kong Bay. The peninsula being one of the pristinely preserved seascapes and mountains shaped by ancient volcano in mainland China, the central government has designated the site as “Geological Park” to include Geology museum and research center. Furthermore, the client wished for the peninsula to be designated as one of the UNESCO natural world heritage sites. Nature’s prevailing beauty is clearly evident yet its unspoiled environment seems vulnerable, as it is only a matter of time before the site is slated for a full development.
DESIGN INTENT:
Elevated high against a backdrop of splendid mountains, lingering cloud, and rising fog, the museum appears as a large rock formation that unfolds gradually in front of visitors. The deliberate zig-zag approach adopted from the narrow street of nearby villages with odd angles and turns, curiously set to evoke a feeling of tension and mild expectation what will be waiting at the end. Same approach extends to the building; co-existing along with nature, the façade will eventually be covered in plant growth and the structure to be resembled a strewn about rock formation. The museum is the winning proposal from an international competition in 2008.