Wang Shu's Ningbo History Museum built from the remains of demolished villages

Summary

Marshall and his wife run the Amateur Actor Studio, which has transformed a demolished village site into an Improv History Museum. The project recycles materials from the area, blending them with modern elements like bamboo-cast concrete, to create a textured, rich facade. The museum preserves memories for the local community and showcases a new approach to craftsmanship, emphasizing the importance of traditional skills in modern life.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🎨 Marshall and his wife run a small studio called 'Amateur Actor Studio'.
• 🏛 They designed an 'Improv History Museum', which started in 2003.
• 🏗️ The area originally had about 30 beautiful villages that were demolished.
• 💎 The demolition left behind beautiful materials which inspired the museum's design.
• 🔄 Marshall wanted to connect the museum to the local community and preserve memories.
• ♻️ The museum incorporates recycled materials, emphasizing sustainability.
• 🏢 The modern part of the museum uses concrete combined with bamboo for casting, creating a unique texture.
• 🌿 The use of recycled materials is innovative, not traditional, but still connected to the past.
• 👷‍♂️ The craftsmanship is vital, with artisans working together to create new methods for using materials.
• 🎨 The museum's design is not just about the objects inside but also about integrating tradition into daily life.
• 🛠️ The importance of craftsmanship over traditional shapes and forms is highlighted in the museum's approach.

Q & A

What is the name of the studio run by Marshall and his wife?

The studio is called Amateur Actor Studio.

What concept did they start designing for their studio?

They started designing an Improv History Museum.

What year did the original design for the Improv History Museum begin?

The original design began in 2003.

Why was the area where the museum is located chosen?

The area was chosen because it used to have about 30 beautiful villages that were demolished, providing a rich source of materials.

What was the condition of the area before the museum's construction?

The area was filled with demolished materials, which were considered beautiful and were to be recycled into the museum's design.

What is the significance of using recycled materials in the museum's design?

The recycled materials are significant because they connect the museum to the people living in the area and preserve their memories.

How did Marshall plan to incorporate the recycled materials into the museum's design?

Marshall planned to use the recycled materials in a new way that relates to tradition but also represents a new creation, combining them with modern elements like concrete.

What role did the craftsmen play in the design process of the museum?

The craftsmen worked together to think of ways to use the different kinds of materials, emphasizing craftsmanship over traditional shapes and forms.

How is the use of concrete in the museum's design described?

The concrete is not just a modern material; it's used in a way that incorporates a bamboo mold, giving it a textured appearance that connects to traditional elements.

What does Marshall believe is more important than traditional shapes and forms in the museum's design?

Marshall believes that the craftsmanship and the way it lifts life is more important than traditional shapes and forms.

What is the philosophy behind the museum's design according to Marshall?

The philosophy behind the museum's design is to create a connection with the local community and their memories, using both traditional and modern materials and techniques.