Shanghai Natural History Museum

The Shanghai Natural History Museum represents the harmony between humanity and nature, drawing on elements of traditional Chinese art and design to explore antiquity. We were selected to design this cultural landmark after a rigorous international design competition. Our overarching design concept draws inspiration from the nautilus shell, one of the purest geometric forms in nature. We were inspired by other natural elements, too: A distinctive glass atrium nods to the cellular structure of plants and animals; the living green wall to the east signifies earth’s vegetation; and the northern stone wall suggests shifting tectonic plates and canyon walls eroded by rivers. Highly sustainable, the building’s many energy-efficient design features are part of the museum’s exhibits, representing additional learning opportunities for guests. It replaces the city’s original Natural History Museum, providing an enhanced visitor experience for both residents and tourists alike.