SHEERIN’s Stone Art Museum in China offers an immersive art experience, blending nature, art, and innovative rock slab design.
Contents
Background and Concept
SHEERIN, a high-end rock slab solutions provider based in Foshan, Guangdong, China, has unveiled its Stone Art Museum. This contemporary art space, also known as SHEERIN Garden, goes beyond the traditional showroom model. It’s a meticulously crafted immersive experience that celebrates the essence of stone, SHEERIN’s core material, and explores the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. The museum is designed to evoke a dreamlike quality, reminiscent of a traditional Chinese garden, while showcasing the versatility and beauty of rock slabs in a novel way. The design integrates visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory experiences, redefining the perception of rock slabs and creating an “indoor paradise”.
Design and Objectives
Spanning nearly 246 square meters, the museum’s design emphasizes minimalism, elegance, and a sense of reverence for nature. Zheng Xiaoguan, design director of PDD, sought to create a space that fosters introspection and contemplation. The museum’s layout guides visitors through a series of carefully curated spaces, each offering a unique sensory experience. From the “Prayer Wall” to the “SHEERIN Mountain,” each area unfolds with a distinct narrative, enhancing the emotional journey within the museum. The project aims to transcend the conventional rock slab exhibition, presenting an artistic interpretation of the material’s potential within an architectural context.
Spatial Planning and Features
The journey begins at the “Prayer Wall,” featuring a striking sculpture of a praying girl carved from camphor wood, viewed through an opening framed by Motianqing rock slabs. The “Straight Front Porch,” a 15-meter corridor, features Motianqing rock slab lamp posts and Motianyin rock slab flooring, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The “Pavilion of Contentment” showcases the beauty of bamboo, recreated using Motianqing rock slabs, complemented by a central walnut wood carving. “Ping An Pavilion,” meaning “peaceful pavilion,” offers a serene space for reflection with Motianqing rock slab screens, wood carvings, and candlelight. The “SHEERIN Mountain” installation, crafted from Motianqing rock slabs, dominates a sunken seating area, creating a dramatic focal point.
Materiality and Aesthetics
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the museum’s design. SHEERIN’s own rock slabs, particularly the Motianqing and Motianyin varieties, are prominently featured throughout the museum. The use of natural materials like camphor wood and walnut wood further enhances the connection to nature. These materials, combined with carefully curated lighting, contribute to the immersive and dreamlike atmosphere. The minimalist aesthetic, punctuated by thoughtfully placed artworks and sculptures, elevates the rock slabs beyond mere building materials, transforming them into artistic elements within the overall composition.
Social and Cultural Impact
The Stone Art Museum transcends its function as a showroom, offering a contemplative space that encourages visitors to connect with nature, art, and their inner selves. The museum embodies SHEERIN’s commitment to innovation and its belief in the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. By pushing the boundaries of traditional rock slab applications, SHEERIN has created a culturally relevant space that promotes a deeper appreciation for both the material and the natural world it represents.
Project Information:
Project Brand: SHEERIN
Project Name: Stone Art Museum-SHEERIN Garden
Lighting Design: Jonas Fung, Jingyu Chen
Interior Design: Lauren Cheng, Qian Wu, Zheng Xiaoguan (PDD)
Architect: PDD
Area: 246 sqm
Project Year: 2020
Country: China
Photographer: Not available
