Location: Xi’an, China.

Architect: Neri&Hu.

The Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts is located in Xi’an’s Datang Everbright City and the client asked for a new architectural icon at the East Entry. Neri&Hu’s proposal takes the idea of a monolithic urban monument as the guiding concept to satisfy the museum’s newly expanded cultural and commercial functions and serve as an anchor and a durable symbol of social history for the surrounding urban fabric. The building is composed of four parts: the partially sunken Base, the Sculptural Walk circulation enclosure, the elevated podium Platform, and the Monument. The base is partially sunken from the level of the existing plaza and contains the former museum spaces and restaurant, along with newly inserted functions such as retail spaces and public restrooms. A series of escalators lead to the underground museum on the B2 level, with a triple-story light well at the base of the sunken piazza.

The Platform is a post and lintel construction, with a grid of stone columns and glass curtain walls supporting a floating roof. The Monument is a lounge on the second floor and an outdoor amphitheatre above, with diamond-shaped red travertine masonry units arranged at intervals. The terrace acts as a forum for various activities, while also serving as a platform for private performances and catwalks.