Jinglan Bay Art: A Museum Where Nature Narrates

Nic Lee's Award-Winning Design Merges Nature with Architecture

The Jinglan Bay Art Museum, nestled within the scenic terrain of Liuzhou, stands as a testament to Nic Lee's innovative approach to museum design. This project, which has garnered the prestigious Silver A' Design Award, is a celebration of the symbiotic relationship between architecture and the natural world. Lee's design philosophy is deeply rooted in the idea that architecture should not merely imitate nature's forms but should serve as a vessel for conveying the essence of the natural environment.

Lee's inspiration for the project draws from the expressive landscapes depicted in paintings, exploring how architecture can serve as a narrative tool to record the majesty of nature. The museum's design is a physical manifestation of a mountain climbing journey, with visitors experiencing the transformation of the mind and the serenity that comes from a detachment from material concerns.

What sets the Jinglan Bay Art Museum apart is its unique use of light and shadow to mimic the high mountains and deep waters characteristic of Liuzhou. The museum's material facade is a deliberate choice, designed to evoke the mental transitions one experiences when entering a deep forest. This thoughtful integration of nature into the museum's interior is a defining feature of Lee's design.

The realization of this concept is achieved through the masterful use of polished black terrazzo, which reflects the changing scenery and human activity outside, creating a dynamic and contemplative space. The museum's layout, which includes various areas such as reception, sales, display, digital media, VIP, office, and toilet facilities, spans an area of 1705 m2. The use of materials such as chiseled marble, mineral paint, red paint, black wood, and oak further enhances the museum's connection to its natural surroundings.

Lee's design encourages visitors to engage with the space in a way that mirrors the experience of wandering through mountainous landscapes. The museum's multi-directional views and the interplay of real and imagined reflections on the floor are designed to reproduce the sensation of traversing through nature. This immersive experience is further enriched by the museum's entrance, crafted from raw stones to evoke the depth of a valley, and the deep-cut stone surface of the counter, which doubles as a display of the mountain wall.

Concluding this exploration of Jinglan Bay Art Museum, it is evident that Nic Lee has not only overcome creative and technical challenges but has also succeeded in creating a space that is both a museum and a canvas for nature's storytelling. The museum's design is a multi-view ink painting come to life, synthesizing philosophy and poetry, and inviting visitors to experience a profound shift in perspective and state of mind. As the museum stands proudly in Liuzhou, it serves as a reminder of the power of design to connect us to the beauty of the natural world.