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The establishment of Shekou Industrial Zone in Shenzhen in 1978 marked the first step in modern China’s opening up to the world and subsequent economic takeoff. Utilizing the original site of China's first commercial microwave station by the seaside, URBANUS proposed the concept of "the hill as the exhibition venue, the city as the exhibition", creating monumental architectural spaces that blend into nature for China Merchants History Museum. With the historical narrative connected to the landscape and the exhibition experience synchronized with the hiking promenade, a landmark monumental building was created and integrated into the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
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Beginning at the foot of the hill, a historical timeline of China's reform and opening up unfolds along the trail, punctuated by several strategic landscape nodes. The Weibo Hill was transformed into a cohesive spatial narrative, the physical ascent experience is integrated as part of the exhibition narrative, both culminating in the museum at the top of the hill. The strategic placement of the windows provides different perspectives of the cityscape, transforming the urban environment into a dynamic exhibition. The layout of the museum and the outdoor staircase extend the hiking experience on the hill, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the Shekou peninsula.
The old microwave communication station was initially slated for demolition. We selectively removed additional constructions and incorporated four shear walls, the old building was designed as the cornerstone of the new museum, seamlessly integrated into the structure, which was transformed into a unique exhibition hall while also serving as the most significant exhibit itself. This not only honors the site's historical significance but also showcases creative problem-solving and sustainability through the repurposing of existing resources.
URBANUS proposed the concept of "the hill as the venue, the city as the exhibition", transforming Weibo Hill and the China Merchants Group History Museum building into a cohesive spatial narrative. The museum building consists of four floors. The first two floors ‘seal’ the original microwave building to become an immersive historical exhibition hall, a core exhibition area of the museum. It houses the main entrance vestibule, a small reception room, the main equipment room and a multi-functional hall that can be operated independently on the first floor. The elevated third floor is a public viewing platform connecting the hiking trails, with a café/reception room. The floating volume on the fourth floor is a continuous wrap-around exhibition space with windows in different directions looking out over the surrounding "urban exhibition venue". Here, amidst the panoramic views of the sky and sea, visitors are invited to reflect on the past, envision the future, and participate in the ongoing narrative of urban progress.
China Merchants Group History Museum holds profound significance, symbolizing a pivotal moment in China's modern history. The design gave us unexpected surprises. Firstly, the history of the city was creatively engraved in the hiking trails. Secondly, despite facing major construction obstacles, architects created a museum floating on the top of the hill. The museum is a historical landmark and a watchtower of the contemporary city, people are culturally nourished during leisure and relaxation.
Founded in 1999, URBANUS is recognized as one of the most influential independent architecture practices in China. More than a design practice, URBANUS is also a think tank. It aims at formulating architectural strategy from the urban environment and its ever-changing conditions. URBANUS has always focused on the urban realities in China and seeks architectural solutions based on its research of emerging urban problems.
URBANUS focuses on the contemporary urban phenomena in China to conduct a series of research projects, including typologies for hyper-density, the preservation and regeneration of historical urban areas and urban villages. URBANUS has drawn international recognition due to its sensitivity to urban, historical and social structures, its ability to mobilize and integrate potential spatial and social resources, and its effectiveness in responding to the complexities of the urban environment.
