Wenzhou Urban Wetland: A Museum Bridging Past and Present

Blending Tradition and Innovation in Architecture

The project, located in Wenzhou, China, takes inspiration from the city's wetlands, which divide it into two distinct zones. The design concept aims to create a cultural place where people can meet and connect, while also integrating the natural landscape into the building itself.

What sets the Wenzhou Urban Wetland project apart is its experimentation with spatial organization. The design incorporates floating architectural elements that reimagine classical Chinese architectural and landscape typologies, such as courtyard spaces and Chinese gardens. These elements are seamlessly blended with contemporary architectural language, resulting in a series of intermingling spaces that take visitors on a journey of interiority and exteriority.

The organic form of the site design is inspired by the natural texture of the wetlands. The main body of the building is elevated, allowing the wetlands to pass through the empty space and creating a unique wetland experience with a boat tour area. The spatial layout of the exhibition hall draws inspiration from the courtyard spaces of local dwellings, seamlessly blending the lower wetland landscape with the upper courtyard space. The roof garden, following the height of the exhibition hall, adds another layer to the design, forming a rich interpretation of three-dimensional space.

With a building area of 20,000 square meters, the Wenzhou Urban Wetland project stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature. It is a museum that not only showcases the rich culture of the region but also integrates seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, enhancing the experience of traveling through the garden.

The accessibility of the museum, located at the heart of the wetlands, allows it to radiate throughout the entire city. It serves as an important public expo-building in Wenzhou, attracting visitors from both near and far.

The Wenzhou Urban Wetland project was completed in 2017 and has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2020. This prestigious award acknowledges the project's outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, as well as its contribution to improving the quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Paul Bo Peng, the chief architect behind the Wenzhou Urban Wetland project, along with his team, has successfully transformed the wetland museum into an ecological building that harmonizes the flow between humanity and nature. The result is a unique cultural space that celebrates the region's heritage while embracing innovation and modernity.