Suzhou musuem in jiangnan research question

1. Suzhou museum in Jiangnan,China :
The application of vernacular elements in modern
design.
Chee Jia Xin 0327392
Chew Rui Bo 0322334
Lee Shi Yin 0324679
Lee Fei Syen 0323008
Kang Zi Shan 0327605
Ting Xiao Yao 0328663

2. Suzhou museum in Jiangnan,China : the application of vernacular elements in modern design.
Problem statement:
Most architecture today focus solely on its aesthetic rather than its respond to the site context. Modern architecture
lacks local historical and cultural connection which makes them superficial and soulless. Therefore, it's important to
adapt modern design into vernacular architecture to respond and contribute to its context.
Research Questions:
1. What are the vernacular Chinese architecture elements of Suzhou?
2. How does the site planning of vernacular architecture influence in the design of Suzhou museum?
3. How does the design of Suzhou museum adapt to the form and spatial planning of vernacular architecture?
4. What are the materials used in Suzhou museum that have replaced the vernacular architecture materials?
5. What vernacular design elements are implemented into Suzhou museum?
Summary:
In this project, we choose to do an in-depth study on how the traditional culture of the city Suzhou has influenced the
design of the Suzhou Museum. By bridging old and new architectural style, the building has successfully preserved the
vernacular architecture of Suzhou at the same time creating a new architectural language and order.
The Suzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum is located at east part of the Suzhou Horticultural Exposition Park, in a
reserved village near Taihu Lake of Wuzhong District, Suzhou. Vernacular features such as the materials, spatial
arrangement, landscape and building elements are taken into the design of the building to fit contextually. By adapting the
contemporary design with these vernacular elements, Suzhou Museum represents the fusion of old and new architecture.
It has become a modern icon situated within a vernacular context with contemporary design without losing the essence
of the traditional elements. The selection and application of contemporary materials have successfully replaced and
improved the usage of traditional materials at the same time creates a possibility of a modern building to be erected within
a historical context. It is fascinating to see how the two contrary eras can find balance and create a new perspective in
architecture.
Concept Mapping:
Reference List:
1. Suzhou Museum. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://architizer.com/projects/suzhou-museum/
2. Kothari, R. (2014, October 23). ELEMENTAL EXPERIENCE PEI’S SUZHOU MUSEUM REVISITED [Web log post]. Retrieved
from http://www.uncubemagazine.com/blog/14750609
3. Suzhou Museum: An I.M. Pei Masterwork - Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/ogLyr9NyQc6tKA
4. Minter, A. (2007, December 19). The Suzhou Museum: Looks Like Masonry … Sounds Like Fibreboard [Web log post].
Retrieved from http://shanghaiscrap.com/2007/12/the-suzhou-museum-looks-like-stone-sounds-like-fiberboard/
5. Deitz, P. (2007, September 16). Suzhou - China - Architecture. Retrieved from
https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/arts/design/16deitz.html
Vernacular Chinese
Architecture
Site Planning Form & Spaces Materiality Elements
SuZhou Museum
Modern Architecture