OCT DESIGN MUSEUM
/ STUDIO PEI ZHU
"In the last 20 years, too many architects just focus on the problem of urbanization, the physical infrastructure. They resolve the problem with a collage of ancient styles on the one hand and a stupid imitation of Western experimentalism on the other. Instead, I would like them to provide some soft, enjoyable, poetic vision within the project. Therefore, I'm suggesting to study history and Chinese philosophy. Our heritage is so different from that of Western cultures. We should look at things from a different angle."
Zhu Pei - Speaking to designboom
https://www.designboom.com/interviews/studio-pei-zhu-designboom-interview/
Working directly with Zhu Pei on this project from the early concept design through initial construction, I’ve witnessed his dedication to bridging the gap between tradition and modernity firsthand. Zhu Pei’s vision for the OCT Design Museum is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Chinese architectural history, emphasizing a return to indigenous solutions. Situated near the bay in Shenzhen’s OCT Bay, the museum is not merely a structure; it’s a dialogue between the past and the present, between nature and man-made artistry.
A Journey of Discovery:
The OCT Design Museum embarks on a journey to discover the untapped potential of modern Chinese architecture. Beyond a fusion of traditional Chinese elements with contemporary design, it’s an exploration, a question, and a challenge to what modern Chinese architecture can become. Nestled near the bay, the museum serves as a sanctuary for design exhibitions and a symbol of architectural evolution in China. My time working under Zhu Pei allowed me to delve deep into this exploration, understanding the nuances that make this museum.
Zhu Pei often emphasizes the emotional connection architecture can foster. The museum’s interior, with its seamless white curvilinear surface, parallels the fluidity and simplicity of traditional Chinese ink paintings. This boundless space evokes serenity and introspection, reminiscent of vast Chinese landscapes in ancient scrolls. The sporadic triangular windows, reminiscent of birds in flight, are inspired by the harmonious coexistence of nature and architecture in traditional Chinese courtyards.
SHENZHEN CHINA
ROLE Design Architect / Project Manager
Full Scope
LOCATION 欢乐海岸创意展示中心 | OCT Bay, Shenzhen, China
DESIGN 2008
CONSTRUCTION 2009-2011
AREA 4,500 m2
PHOTOS Fang Zenning / Zhu Pei
ENGINEERING Arup | Rory McGowan
STUDIO ZHU PEI
http://www.studiozhupei.com/
https://vimeo.com/87384469?login=true
The OCT Design Museum’s elevation and structure are not just architectural choices but deliberate attempts to engage and challenge the observer’s perception. With its gentle levitation above its surroundings, the building’s elevation creates an illusion of weightlessness. This sense of floating, of being untethered from the ground, evokes a feeling of transcendence as if the structure exists in a realm between the earthly and the ethereal.
This design choice can be seen as a reflection of Taoist philosophy, particularly the concept that “that which is real is boundless.” In Taoism, reality is not just tangible and visible; it encompasses the intangible, the unseen, and the infinite. With its unique elevation, the museum exists in multiple dimensions simultaneously: the physical and the metaphysical.
Furthermore, the structure’s fluid and organic form adds another layer of perceptual challenge. Instead of rigid lines and defined boundaries, the museum offers curves and continuity. This design approach mirrors the Taoist understanding of the universe as a continuous flow of energy, where boundaries are mere constructs, and actual reality is boundless and ever-changing.
The OCT Design Museum invites observers to question their understanding of reality, space, and boundaries through its architectural choices.
It stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and innovation. It hosts many events that showcase modern design and pay homage to China’s rich artistic heritage. From international conferences to avant-garde art exhibitions, the museum is Shenzhen’s nexus for cultural exchange and commercial showcases.
INITIAL CONCEPT DESIGN
DRAWINGS
