National Museum of China

Each architecture has various intentions. Some more prominent than others. This project by GMP Architekten is certainly a prominent project, yet it can seem to some as architecturally benign in terms of design. What I mean by this is that the interior space is essentially empty. Makes sense, it's a museum. But as an architect, we often expect and enjoy a sense of our own hand in the design. I would liken this to designing a theater stage. I don't know that anyone pays that much attention to the design of the stage itself, but the production wouldn't be possible without it. Museums are similar cultural stages. Perhaps the intricacies of the building itself will be ignored or overlooked by it's patrons, but that is an acceptable sacrifice to provide space for a meaningful cultural exhibition. It's also helpful to remember that meaningful architecture doesn't have to be a spectacle in and of itself, but can be a canvas for the community to create it's own use and meaning.