Nashan Geological Museum l Xiamen Urban Environment Design & Engineering

The Nashan Geological Museum stands as a testament to the remarkable geological heritage of Nashan Mountain. This shield-shaped ancient volcano, which emerged ten million years ago, boasts a rich tapestry of geological phenomena. Its treasures include volcanic eruptive facies, overflow facies, eruptive unconformities, faults, and other geological structures. The mountain also harbors a trove of geological relics, including basalt, sandstone, sedimentary rock, breccia, peridotite, diabase, volcanic bomb, and volcanic cinder. The sands of the Cretaceous period have unveiled a treasure trove of Yuhua stones, wood fossils, and bone fossils.

However, Nashan Mountain’s geological marvels faced a threat about 45 years ago when local villagers, in their quest for building materials, resorted to explosives to quarry the mountains. This endeavor inadvertently cleaved a volcano section, exposing its inner workings. Fast forward two decades, and the local government took decisive action to safeguard Nashan Mountain’s ecological environment and precious volcanic geological relics. Ten years ago, recognizing the potential for scientific exploration, the government sanctioned the construction of a unique geological park and a museum to attract tourists while preserving the ecological reserve.

Nashan Geological Museum’s Design Concept

In response to this initiative, the design team was invited to design a geological harmoniously blending the economic and ecological aspects, catering to the growing domestic tourism demand. They devised a comprehensive master plan grounded in the extinct volcano’s geological heritage, ensuring its protection and sustainable utilization.

The Nashan Geological Museum is the centerpiece, exuding its exceptional geological significance. Inspired by the shield-shaped volcano’s form, the museum’s exterior is adorned with stones sourced from the local mountain, seamlessly melding with its natural surroundings. A spiral structure guides visitors along an engaging journey, ascending to the summit. The rooftop, doubling as a viewing terrace, offers panoramic vistas of the stone columns, starry skies, and idyllic spots for picnics.

Visitors can opt for an outdoor adventure from the rooftop, following an exterior path, or indulging in grass surfing. This immersive experience fosters a deeper connection between visitors and the ancient volcanic geology. Constructed with local materials, including basalt and bricks, the Nashan Geological Museum narrates the area’s history and nature while maintaining cost-effectiveness and low maintenance.

The architects’ mission was to convey the geological evolution, local history, and culture using the captivating landscape and state-of-the-art 4D technology, seamlessly blending local elements into the infrastructure. The Nashan Geological Museum’s design accentuates the geological significance of the land, promoting conservation and public awareness. The Nashan Geological Museum, both functional and sculptural, presents visitors with a unique opportunity to explore architecture and nature in a new light. It embodies the fusion of science, art, and preservation, offering a captivating journey into the heart of Nashan Mountain’s geological wonders.

Project Info:

Architects: Xiamen Urban Environment Design & Engineering
Area: 3126 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Yingchun Feng, Zehua Zhou
Lead Architects: Yiming Min
Landscape: Xiamen Urban Environment Design&Engineering Co., Ltd
Design Team: Shulin Lu， Lijuan Dai, Xiaoqian Zhang， Xiaobin Huang, Yang Liu
Clients: Yizheng Nashan Tourism Development Co., LTD
Collaborators: Xiamen Feilan Architectural Design Office Co., LTD, Fujian Southeast Architecture Design Group Co.， Ltd
City: Yangzhou
Country: China