Simple Design Archive is a new private museum in China

The Simple Design Archive, located in the city of Hefei in East China’s Anhui Province, is based on the region’s natural mountain landscape. Its author, HAS Design and Research, designed this private museum, specializing in the collection of contemporary Asian artworks and modern European furniture, around a series of curves and voids reminiscent of “caves with a view of the sky.”

(Image credit: W Workspace)

Simple Design Archive by HAS Design and Research

The young and dynamic architecture firm based in Bangkok and Shanghai was founded in 2019 by Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee – and listed in the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2022 for its architectural explorations around minimalism and material research, the poetic and the functional. The pair took the same approach on this project, using the undulating, opaque shapes of the exterior walls to create sleek, flowing interior exhibition spaces. At the same time, the walls act as barriers that block street noise and thus promote a contemplative atmosphere inside.

Within these wall formations, the architects created an open-air “echo chamber” courtyard with the goal of creating a “poetic sound sanctuary,” the architecture team explains. Lightly planted and fragrant, this outdoor area also serves as a biodiversity center to attract insects and animals such as cicadas and birds. The aim was to create a space of relaxation and easy coexistence for people and nature. “In the afternoon, the curved walls block the harsh sunlight from the west and allow partial sunlight to penetrate the echo chamber courtyard, creating a sacred space reminiscent of a church.” This adds a sense of extraordinary ritual to otherwise mundane city life.”

The interior follows the same approach, keeping things simple and seemingly effortless. But a closer look reveals an extremely calibrated design sequence. Visitors are led through a minimalist foyer to the gallery areas, where exhibitions sit alongside an art and materials library.

There is a sense of calm throughout, supported by the building’s skylights, which serve as main openings and gently illuminate the space while keeping the distractions of the busy urban environment outside.