SPACE ARTICULATION
The Forbidden City
WHERE: Imperial City, North of Tian'anmen Square, Beijing, China
HISTORY:
The Forbidden City in Beijing was built between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming
dynasty, serving as the imperial palace for 24 emperors over nearly 500 years.
Designed as a symbol of imperial power, it functioned as the political and ceremonial
center of China until the end of the Qing dynasty in 1912. The complex is famous for its
vast size and architecture, with strict access restrictions that led to its name. After the
abdication of the last emperor, Puyi, it became a museum in 1925, housing a rich
collection of imperial artifacts. Despite facing significant historical events, including
occupation during the Second Opium War, the Forbidden City was designated a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and remains one of the most visited museums
globally.
The Forbidden City in Beijing exemplifies sophisticated space articulation through
its architectural layout, which emphasizes elevation and depression of the horizontal
plane to convey imperial power and cosmic order. The main structures, particularly the
Hall of Supreme Harmony, are built on elevated platforms that rise above the
surrounding courtyards. This tiered design not only enhances visibility but also signifies
the importance of these spaces. The hall itself stands approximately 30 meters above
the surrounding area, making it a focal point for ceremonial activities. The layout
includes expansive courtyards and terraced platforms that create a sense of grandeur.
The three main halls of the Outer Court are situated on a three-tiered marble terrace,
which elevates them above the vast plaza, allowing for large gatherings during imperial
ceremonies
ARCHITECT:
The architect of the Forbidden City is traditionally recognized as Kuai Xiang
(1377–1451), a skilled Chinese architect, engineer, craftsman, and originator of the
Xiangshan carpenters, who played a pivotal role in designing this monumental complex.
Commissioned by the Yongle Emperor Zhu Di in 1406 to transfer the capital from
Nanjing to Beijing, Kuai Xiang's expertise allowed him to create intricate plans that
adhered to traditional Chinese architectural principles, emphasizing symmetry and the
axial alignment that reflects the cosmic order. His ability to translate rough calculations
into precise designs earned him the emperor's admiration, and he led a vast workforce
of over a million laborers, including thousands of skilled craftsmen, to bring the
ambitious project to fruition by 1420. The Forbidden City remains a testament to his
architectural vision and craftsmanship, influencing Chinese architecture for centuries.
LIGHT, COLOR, and TEXTURE
Museum of the Future
WHERE: Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
HISTORY
The Museum of the Future in Dubai was officially inaugurated on February 22,
2022, after being announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in March
2015. The museum's design, created by Killa Design, features a distinctive torus shape
adorned with Arabic calligraphy that reflects the ruler's vision for the future. The
construction faced significant challenges due to its complex structure, which includes
2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members, and it was recognized as one of the most
ambitious architectural projects in the UAE. Prior to its grand opening, temporary
exhibitions were held at Madinat Jumeirah during the World Government Summit in
2016 and 2017. The museum aims to be an incubator for innovation and technology,
showcasing futuristic concepts and ideas that are expected to shape society by 2071
ARCHITECT:
The architect of the Museum of the Future in Dubai is Shaun Killa, the founding
partner of Killa Design, a local architectural firm renowned for its innovative and
sustainable designs. Killa's vision for the museum was to create a structure that
embodies the future while integrating advanced technology with traditional art forms.
The building features a distinctive torus shape, symbolizing humanity, and is elevated
on a green mound that represents the Earth. Its façade consists of 1,024 intricately
designed stainless steel panels adorned with Arabic calligraphy, reflecting the words of
Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The Museum of the Future reflects light, color, and texture through the
innovative architectural features of its striking façade and interior design. The exterior is
clad in 1,024 unique stainless steel and fiberglass panels, molded to form Arabic
calligraphy that symbolizes the future. This design allows natural light to filter through
during the day. As sunlight interacts with the reflective surfaces, it creates a dynamic
play of shadows and highlights within the building. At night, the building transforms as
integrated LED lighting illuminates the calligraphic patterns, creating a captivating visual
spectacle that draws attention from afar. The combination of reflective materials and
thoughtful design not only creates a visually stunning environment but also fosters a
sense of connection between the interior spaces and the outside world.
