Museum-Bowuguan

A conversation with Liu Jiakun about time issues in architecture in China.

Abstract

Time issues in architecture in China are explained during a conversation with Liu Jiakun, among the most important architects in China today, whose works mainly consist of public space projects – such as museums and the revitalisation of historical and new areas. In the form of an interview, LJ talks about the specific conditions of museum design in China and his narrative approach to architecture, using as samples four of his most well-known museums, one memorial dedicated to the victims of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and three of his projects for public cultural entertainment in historical urban and natural landscape areas, and in new urban areas. In these last, he revives markers of the past rural identity of the communities. During the conversation, his approach to architectural design emerged as material translation of the link between collective memories, local identities, present, past and future of the communities he worked for.