Museum of Art in Suzhou by BIG

In Suzhou, China, the rough construction of the Museum of Contemporary Art has been completed. The building, covering an area of 60,000 m², is designed as a reminiscence of a traditional village with 12 pavilions, featuring a modern interpretation of architectural elements that have defined the genius loci of the city for centuries. The museum's completion is planned for next year.

The museum, which is part of the development of the area around Jinji Lake, was designed by BIG, ARTS Group, and Front Inc. The main architectural element of the museum is a ribbon-like roof that extends to protect pedestrian paths within the site.

"Our design for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Suzhou is intended as a Chinese garden of pavilions and courtyards. The individual pavilions are interwoven with glass galleries and porticos, creating a network of interlinked sculptural courtyards and exhibition halls. The museum weaves between the legs of the Ferris wheel and branches like a rhizome, connecting the city to the lake. Against the backdrop of the open lake space, the gentle catenary curve of the roof creates an elegant silhouette on the waterfront. Viewed from above, the stainless steel roof tiles form a true fifth façade," stated Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of BIG.