National Museum of China
Beijing, China
National Museum of China
Competition 2004
Denton Corker Marshall was one of six international architectural practices short-listed for the National Museum of China competition.
The design sensitively expands the existing museum within the broader urban context of Tiananmen Square, the epicentre of historic and modern Beijing.
A new east wing was postulated as a significant and memorable work of contemporary architecture, with a simple yet bold form, in harmony with, but distinguished from, the existing museum. The eight cubes of the east wing have a striking inlay pattern which has resonances in Chinese calligraphy, architecture, town planning and decorative arts.
The design creates a powerful image for a national museum with strong cultural references. It employs details derived from Chinese culture, not copied, but interpreted into a new, abstract expression.
