Location: China, 2012.

Architect: West-line Studio.

The Memorial Hall in Chishui, Guizhou province is dedicated to the martyrs buried in the adjacent cemetery. The building was added in 2012 and is located on a Danxia stone hillside. The architects took inspiration from traditional Chishui dwellings, characterized by a multi-patio layout and blue-grey roofs. The Memorial Hall showcases the deeds of the martyrs through flexible exhibition areas. The building has a porous layout with three courtyards that follow the terrain and preserve existing trees. The use of color is strong, with blue-grey roofs, a white body, and a bold red layered base made of local Danxia stone. Colorful skylights bring additional color to the space. The building fits into the cemetery context and neighborhood, keeping construction costs low and indicating an evolution path for local architecture.

Photo credit: West-line Studio.