Herzog & de Meuron have won a competition to design a new museum complex on China's Grand Canal with the aim of the reflecting the river's importance in Chinese culture and to create a new gathering place.
Situated in the city of Hangzhou at the junction of the Grand Canal and the Hanggang River, the museum will be surrounded by water on three sides.
it will cover an area of 50,000sq m (540,000sq ft) and will be split across two floors that will be able to be operated independently.
The building will be elevated by 12m (39ft), creating space for covered and shaded public realm, and will provide panoramic views of the river and the surrounding areas.
A curved façade of concave glass elements will reflect the water, a new park-like urban plaza will connect the museum to the city and a roof terrace with greenery will contribute to sustainability and stormwater management.
Herzog & de Meuron said: "This setting embodies 'water in the front, mountain in the back' - a classic Chinese ideal of harmonious integration of people, buildings and their natural environment."
