The renovated Chengdu SHU Brocade and Embroidery Art Gallery seamlessly integrates ancient SHU brocade and embroidery into a contemporary museum design.
Contents
Revitalizing a Historic Site: The Chengdu SHU Brocade and Embroidery Museum
Nestled along the picturesque Huanhua Creek in Chengdu, Sichuan, the Chengdu SHU Brocade and Embroidery Museum stands as a testament to the rich heritage of SHU brocade and embroidery. Built upon the grounds of the former Chengdu SHU brocade factory, a site steeped in 70 years of history, the museum first opened its doors to the public in 2009. In 2024, the museum underwent extensive renovations led by GE space design, aiming to breathe new life into the exhibition spaces and present the captivating artistry of SHU brocade and embroidery in a more engaging and interactive way.
A Journey Through Time and Space: The Museum’s Design Concept
The museum’s design concept revolves around the interplay of time and space, creating a dynamic visitor experience. The two-level structure is divided into distinct sections: the lower level, or basement, houses the historical museum, while the upper level, or ground floor, showcases the art gallery. A central atrium acts as a symbolic connection between these two realms, bridging the past and the present. The atrium, with its dramatic design and verticality, becomes a focal point, emphasizing the concept of “space as the warp and time as the weft”—a central principle in the creation of SHU brocade.
The Allure of Illusion: The Atrium’s Dramatic Presentation
The atrium makes a striking first impression with its theatrical design. The high ceiling is adorned with flying eaves and roof tiles, reminiscent of traditional Chinese architecture. Beneath the eaves, shallow window scenes and courtyard railings evoke the bustling atmosphere of ancient Jincheng. The use of vibrant yellow and red opera curtains adds to the sense of theatricality and creates an interplay of reality and illusion. Mirror-finish stainless steel on the ceiling further enhances the illusion, extending the street scene upwards and giving the space a feeling of vastness. Two imposing tower looms, one large and one small, are positioned beneath the market streets, creating a captivating centerpiece. Next to the looms, a gallery bridge provides a vantage point for viewing the historic weaving machines.
Weaving a Narrative: The SHU Brocade Exhibition
Ascending from the atrium, visitors enter the first space of the art gallery, a passageway dedicated to the display of SHU brocade. This space continues the “illusion” concept introduced in the atrium, immersing visitors in a world of vibrant colors and intricate patterns. SHU brocade hangs like cascading waterfalls, illuminated by strategically placed lighting, while the curved pathways guide visitors on a journey of discovery. The use of mirror-finish stainless steel amplifies the space and creates a sense of depth, further highlighting the beauty of the brocade exhibits. The stainless steel on the display platforms reflects a shimmering water effect on the ceiling, enhancing the immersive experience.
A Contemplative Space: The Hall of a Thousand Buddhas
The Hall of a Thousand Buddhas is situated after the labyrinthine illusion themed around guidance, making it the most direct destination of the guidance concept, thus its name is fitting. Beyond the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas lies a reenactment of scenes from the daily lives of ancient scholars featuring SHU embroidery. This approach of transcending the mundane before entering the world serves as a wise means to maintain a pure perspective when appreciating the techniques and artworks of SHU embroidery.The Hall of a Thousand Buddhas offers a moment of tranquility and contemplation. A thousand SHU brocade Buddha figures are meticulously arranged on either side of the hall, creating a sense of reverence. The centerpiece of the hall is a magnificent SHU embroidery piece by a master artisan, titled Amitabha Buddha’s Guidance to the Western Pure Land. The symmetrical layout and the use of rich colors and textures contribute to the hall’s classical aesthetic.
Evoking the Past: The SHU Embroidery Exhibition
The SHU embroidery exhibition transports visitors back in time, immersing them in the elegant world of ancient scholars. Inspired by classical gardens, the exhibition features two moon gates that frame the space and create a sense of harmony. Classical furniture, including tables, couches, and chairs, complements the embroidered screens, recreating scenes from the past. Two embroidery frames are placed in the central area, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness the intricate process of SHU embroidery firsthand. The exhibition space is carefully lit to highlight the delicate details of the embroidery, creating an immersive and evocative atmosphere.
A Contemporary Perspective: The Art Gallery
The final section of the museum is the art gallery, which presents SHU embroidery in a contemporary context. The gallery features a long corridor with partitions on either side, creating a symmetrical and orderly space. The partitions are cleverly designed to draw visitors’ attention to a large artwork at the front of the corridor, featuring the “Five Stars Rising in the East Benefit China” brocade pattern. The SHU embroidery works are displayed against a backdrop of gilded landscapes, emphasizing their artistic value and craftsmanship. This presentation marks a shift in the perception of SHU embroidery, transforming it from a decorative element to an independent art form.
Project Information:
Architects: GE space design
Area: 800 m²
Project Year: 2024
Project Location: Chengdu, Sichuan
Lead Architects: Li Jia
Design Team: Zhou Ying, Lin Chuqiong, Wang Qiuju, Yin Weijin
Client: Chengdu SHU Brocade and Embroidery Museum
Construction Company: Chengdu Huidian Decoration Engineering Design Co., Ltd.
Lighting Design: Gemei Lighting Technology (Chengdu) Co., Ltd.
Photographer: ICYWORKS Li Jia GE:STUDIO
Project Type: Cultural Buildings
