Zhang Zhidong was a 19th century leader in government who inspired the move towards modernization that established the steel industry in Wuhan.
He also was responsible for city planning with industrial, cultural and financial districts that compose the contemporary city of Wuhan.
The steel industry in Wuhan was a model for China and the world. At the turn of the 20th century Wuhan was at the center of the nation connected by railroads to all the provinces of China.
The story of the city of Wuhan is narrated by its aspirations for the future inspired by the unique history of the past. The Xinhai Revolution, in October, 1911, was a remarkable moment in that crystallized the modernization started by Zhang Zhidong and carried forward by modern industry.
The Zhang Zhidong and Modern Industrial Museum, in Wuhan, was designed to balance three narrative themes within an integrated building and landscape.
Each of the three floors of the museum is committed to one theme; Zhang Zhidong, industry, and the city of Wuhan.
The highest peak of the museum has a view toward the city. The museum floors look toward the garden which is composed of radiating lines and rings to connect past and future.
The museum floors and the garden are united by the spherical geometry of the building form. The project is currently under construction and will be completed at the end of 2014.
Location: Wuhan, China Architect: Daniel Libeskind Architect Of Record: Zhong Nan Design Institute Structural Engineer: Zhong Nan Design Institute Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing Engineer: Zhong Nan Design Institute Civil Engineer: Zhong Nan Design Institute Lighting Designer: Zhong Nan Design Institute Contractor: G.C Wisco Construction Size: 7,240 sqm Status: Under construction Client: Wuhan Yayuan Vanke