Location: Nantong, China.

Architect: Henn.

The Nantong Urban Planning Museum, designed by HENN, is a 16m floating volume located along the central river in Nantong. The museum’s unique façade is composed of two layers, with a reticulated metal structure and a gradient of varied panels that allow for varying degrees of opening. This provides an opportunity for the controlled regulation of sunlight in fine increments to accommodate the needs of the interior program. The exhibition spaces have a predominantly closed façade with minimal openings, while the offices have maximum levels of natural daylight. The museum also features a glass pedestal that offers space for special exhibitions, a café, and a bookstore. The primary exhibition space, offices, and conference rooms are located in the cantilevered form that rests above the glass entry. The Nantong Urban Planning Museum is a prominent addition to the city’s cultural and commercial facilities and establishes the primary East-West axis of Nantong.

Photo credit: Bartosz Kolonko.