NATIONAL HERITAGE PAVILION
HERITAGE PAVILION
The formal strategy for our proposal is inspired by the concept of line as a philosophical gesture — where a "line" holds deeper significance beyond its structural or boundary-defining role. As evidenced in our conceptual diagrams, this principle is present in traditional architecture, textile patterns, ink painting, and calligraphic traditions that have shaped the region's aesthetic sensibility for centuries.
The calligraphic line is not merely a tool for creating characters, but a living entity. The pressure of the brush, the ink flow, and the rhythm of the strokes convey expressive power, where minimal detail directs focus to the energy captured in each gesture.
In this tradition, the line symbolizes the "beauty of the in-between" and reflects a manifestation of harmony between humanity and nature, representing the elegant minimalism that defines the region's aesthetic in both its traditional and modern forms.
It was this alignment — a connection with the past, present and future of cultural identity — that inspired our proposal. As evidenced in all our imagery, the line becomes the form of the pavilion itself – a subtle curving mass that creates both tension and refined balance. As though the building is alive, breathing just beneath its surface.
We aligned the pavilion's main entry with the pedestrian canopy to create a natural southern terminus, encouraging vertical movement through exhibition halls. This "ribbon" of circulation deviates from conventional horizontal layouts, fostering a unique experience that visually connects all spaces into a seamless milieu.
About the Project
We explored massing options to allow flexibility in curating both permanent and non-permanent collections while suggesting a more dramatic unfolding of spaces than afforded by the typical black-box typology. The building's massing reinforces the linear sequencing of spaces and accommodates various exhibition scales, which are important for conveying heritage information through various forms of media, such as film, digital projections, sound, and atmosphere.
About the Project
Our proposal envisions a relatively quiet, monolithic mass sparingly punctuated by glazing at grade and along the northern ridge of the curved rooflines. This design focuses attention inward – both pragmatically and practically – on the various exhibitions. It is also worth noting that the monolithic mass employs passive solar strategies to reduce heat gain and loss, supporting net-zero carbon sustainability.
