Ningbo Urban Construction Archives

Fortifying the History of Ningbo

The Ningbo Urban Construction Archives, designed by DC Alliance, is a unique project that aims to interpret the history of Ningbo through the concept of fortification. Inspired by the idea that cities are built from different building blocks, which have distinct spatial and material attributes, this design seeks to capture the essence of urban development and serve as a collector of the city's fortification history.

What sets this design apart is its innovative approach to representing the concepts of fortification. The architects have superimposed the properties of space and material to create the concept of "Building Blocks." These blocks are divided into three categories: transparent, real, and special, each offering a different perspective on the city's history.

The Ningbo Urban Construction Archives occupies a total site area of 6,567 square meters, with 17,190 square meters of floor area on the ground and an additional 6,405 square meters underground. The building consists of 11 floors above ground and 2 floors below ground, providing ample space for the collection and preservation of the city's development history.

This project, located in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, China, was completed in 2018. The design team, led by DC Alliance and including Dongyi and Heweiwei, faced the challenge of representing the rich historical and cultural significance of archives. The goal was to create a space that not only collects and preserves history but also showcases the concept of fortification.

The Ningbo Urban Construction Archives has been recognized for its outstanding design and creativity. In 2020, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award honors designs that exemplify resourcefulness, technical skill, and contributions to improving the quality of life.

With its unique approach to interpreting history and its visually striking design, the Ningbo Urban Construction Archives stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating the architectural heritage of cities.