Nantong Urban Planning Museum | Henn

As part of the master plan designed by HENN, the new Nantong Urban Planning Museum is located prominently along the central river, whose course, together with existing cultural and commercial facilities, establish the primary East-West axis of Nantong. The museum is characterized as a 16 m, floating volume, which rests on a setback glass pedestal, offering space for special exhibitions, café and bookstore. The overall dominant form which cantilevers above the glass entry, contains the primary exhibition space, offices and conference rooms. Its distinctive façade is composed of two layers: the inner which thermally seals the building envelope, and the outer, a reticulated metal structure with a gradient of varied panels. The façade’s diamond-shaped Diagrid is comprised of seven different panels that allow for varying degrees of opening from 9%-60%. This provides an opportunity for the controlled regulation of sunlight in fine increments, to accommodate the needs of the interior program. The exhibition spaces are therefore, characterized by a predominantly closed façade with minimal openings, and the offices with maximum levels of natural daylight.