glimmering museum by atelier XÜK honors dingshu pottery heritage

historic zisha clay mine preserved in dingshu

Atelier XÜK, in collaboration with the Architecture School of Southeast University, has completed the Huanglong Mountain Zisha Mineral Source Museum in Dingshu, Jiangsu, China. The town, known as the ‘Capital of Pottery,’ has a long history of Zisha clay mining, which has played a key role in Chinese ceramics. The museum, with its facade of glazed ceramic tiles, is designed to protect and showcase the No. 4 Zisha mine ruins, reinforcing the site’s cultural and historical significance.

The No. 4 Zisha mine on Huanglong Mountain was established in 1972 and ceased operations in 1997. Recognized as a municipal cultural relic protection unit in 2009, the site holds historical value in the region’s pottery industry. The museum integrates the ruins into an exterior exhibition space, connecting them to the interior through a carefully planned circulation system.

images courtesy Atelier XÜK

the new museum by atelier xük

With its museum in Dingshu Town, Atelier XÜK successfully preserves the existing ruins while making the site accessible for contemporary use. The architects, together with the team at the Architecture School of Southeast University achieve this by following principles of minimal intervention, historical restoration, and activation.

Key strategies for preservation include Respecting the Ruins: Architectural boundaries and entrance orientation guide visitors through the No. 4 Mine Ruins Site; Activation and Regeneration: The damaged areas are reintegrated into the surrounding landscape; Integration with the Museum: The ruins and the interior exhibition space are connected to form a cohesive visitor experience.

Atelier XÜK completes the Huanglong Mountain Zisha Mineral Source Museum in Dingshu Town

a facade of glazed ceramic tiles

The museum’s design aims to harmonize with its surroundings, standing as a glimmering blue-green object within the lush park. The key elements of the design include Integrated Design: The museum respects the natural environment, allowing visitors to explore the site naturally; Spatial Communication and Symbolism: Five building blocks represent five ‘Golden Flowers,’ while glazed tiles on the facade reference the five colors of ink. A vortex-shaped exhibition route connects the three exhibition halls above ground with the underground mine tunnel; Multi-Media Exhibition: Digital simulations recreate the mining experience, preserving history through modern technology.

The use of glazed tiles on the museum’s facade serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. In pottery, glazing enhances beauty, improves durability, and strengthens the material. Similarly, the colored glaze treatment on the museum’s exterior creates dynamic reflections of light and shadow. Visitors can physically engage with the textured surfaces, deepening their connection to the site’s material heritage.

the museum preserves and showcases the No. 4 Zisha mine ruins in Dingshu Town

the No. 4 mine was established in 1972 and ceased operations in 1997

the project follows principles of minimum intervention, historical restoration, and activation

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project info:

name: Huanglong Mountain Zisha Mineral Source Museum

architect: Atelier XÜK | @atelier_xuk, Architecture School of Southeast University

location: Dingshu Town, Jiangsu, China

area: 2,435 square meters

completion: 2024

lead architects: Xu Zhang, Kenan Liu
interior design: Fengyuzhu
landscape design: Atelier XÜK, Jiangsu Henghong Construction Consulting
historical research, project scheme: Xu Zhang, Yang Shen
design team: Xiaoxia Shi, Yiming Yang, Shiyun Sun, Lanxi Li, Hua Xu, Yin Song, Tianze Yu, Tao Zhang, Ang Li, Xinqi Dong, Tong Niu (Intern), Yuanlanyi Zhao (Intern)

clients: Construction Bureau of Dingshu Town