Shaoxing Yuecheng District Archives
With a history of more than 2,000 years, Shaoxing is an ancient city built with stone paving. A modern archives center will be constructed next to this ancient city. The design aims to facilitate a dialogue between the new archives center and the local historical context without being restricted by traditional forms.
The design draws inspiration from the shapes of the mountains and quarries surrounding Shaoxing, as well as the orderly arrangement of archives warehouses. It employs a modern architectural language to reinterpret typical traditional spaces such as alleys, corridors, and courtyards. By finding an appropriate location within the context and responding to the urban surroundings through architecture, it stays true to the site and remains self-contained.
In addition to the archives, this facility encompasses exhibition halls, offices, and a civic center. These elements are organized into four groups based on function and building type, interconnected through alleys, corridors, and courtyards to create a unified and open building complex. The design incorporates several ruins, such as brick kilns and temples, seamlessly blending them into the gray space. The result is a dramatic architectural experience characterized by a strong sense of order, abundant spaces, diverse functions, and a mix of people.
Location: Shaoxing, China
Area: 180.000 sqm
Year: 2023
Client: Shaoxing Yuecheng District Construction Investment Co., Ltd.
Architect: xup Architekten
Team: Shan Xu, Di Tang, Xinxin Ji, Shenghui Gao, Jing Xue
Collaborators: Zhejiang University of Technology Engineering Design Group Co., Ltd.
Type: architectural design & landscape design
Honor: competition 1st Prize, not adopted for implementation