The primary strategy is not to reform the existing facade, but to add a layer of translucency on it. Hence people are able to sense the old when they experience the new, and read the historical information of the city. Another challenge was time and budget. The project has to be implemented within 40 days from design to construction. Due to this critical condition, architects choose the galvanized iron wire mesh as main material. By taking advantage of its light weight and self-support quality, a big number of stud works were eliminated. In addition, translucency and reflectivity of the metal mesh turns the entrance facade into a more lively condition, since the mesh can offer some shadow. Vector Architects revitalized not only the M Woods entrance but also a “negative” green belt which is enclosed by a fence across the street. They opened it up, and embedded a small plaza there. This plaza is under a metal mesh canopy with same material as the entrance, unifying surrounded space with the museum.
M Woods revitalisation, Beijing
Program: museum renovation
Architect: Vector Architects – Gong Dong
Project architect: Dongping Sun
Design team: Yinxi Lu, Kun Ding
Structural consultant: Lixin Ji
Completion: 2016