Xu Wei Art Museum: A Masterpiece of Light and Architecture

Lighting Design Institute of UAD Transforms Historic Residence into Cultural Beacon

The museum's design draws inspiration from Xu Wei's ink wash paintings, creating a balance between virtuality and reality, coldness and warmth. The layered expressions of distinct building materials reproduce the purity and clearness of black and white Chinese traditional paintings. The restrained yet precise lighting techniques enhance the night atmosphere, highlighting the architectural beauty and setting a tranquil vibe for the viewing platform.

The design team faced the challenge of integrating the museum into the residential area of the ancient city while also serving as an urban public cultural space and civic activity square. The solution was to use light in a restrained yet precise manner, balancing the relationship between light and architecture, environment and people. This approach not only highlights the night atmosphere and appreciation value of the architecture but also creates a sense of depth, mirroring the "distant and close views" of Xu Wei's ink wash painting.

The realization of this design involved the use of innovative technologies. L-shaped lamp troughs are hidden on the facade, and linear wall washing lamps are concealed to brighten the wall. The square, an urban public space, is illuminated by hidden projection, offering possibilities for distinct scenes. The overall low-key and elegant night view of the museum harmonizes with the ancient city, creating a restful and leisurely space for both citizens and tourists.

Behind this design is a team of talented designers from the Lighting Design Institute of UAD and The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University. They conducted in-depth research on Xu Wei's life and artistic ideals and incorporated local urban aesthetic characteristics into the design techniques. The result is a design that not only pays tribute to the artist's legacy but also enhances the cultural and artistic functions of the urban space.

This remarkable design has earned the Golden A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2022. This prestigious award recognizes marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that advance art, science, design, and technology. The Xu Wei Art Museum is indeed a testament to the prodigy and wisdom of its designers, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with its desirable characteristics.