Share this on

RTKL Lands China Museum Project

The "garden-inspired design" will complement the museum's existing 1962 traditional Chinese building.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 3/31/2008 12:00:00 AM

China is keeping RTKL busy: The architecture and engineering firm has over 10 projects in the country. The latest to hit the boards is a 5,000-square-foot expansion for the National Art Museum of China in Beijing.

RTKL was singled out from over 100 design firms over a two-year, five-phase elimination process, in a highly-competitive competition. The firm's contemporary design, including an underground entry, earned points for sensitivity to the historic context of the site.

The addition will be juxtaposed against the original traditional Chinese architecture building, erected in 1962. The plans, not finalized, are expected to include an underground entry and large-scale, flexible space for permanent and temporary galleries, public amenities, social programs and collection storage. An outdoor space dishing views of the historic Forbidden City and Coal Hill, as well as Beijing's skyline, will be expanded.

"Our garden-inspired design creates a symbiotic relationship between the existing museum and the expansion," says Xiaoguang Liu, a vice president in RTKL’s Los Angeles office. "It provides a natural extension to the original space with proportions that respect the landmark building and surrounding district."

Beijing Institute of Architecture Design will serve as local architect for the project.

Currently, the National Art Museum is one of the largest art galleries in China. Visitors can discover more than 60,000 pieces of fine art spread out over 13 exhibition halls.

Rendering courtesy of RTKL.