Yohoo Museum / Aedas

Architects: Aedas
Area: 5356 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Terrence Zhang
Design Director: Ken Wai, Global Design Principal
Collaborators: Power China Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited
Client: Hangzhou Liangzhu Transportation Investment Group Co., Ltd
City: Hangzhou
Country: China

Yohoo Museum, designed by Aedas in Hangzhou, is inspired by jade, symbolizing the connection between Liangzhu culture and the Grand Canal. Its double-ring structure, resembling interlocking jade rings, creates a floating form with subtly lifted edges. A singular steel frame encloses two courtyards and a circular light well, reinforcing the link between heaven and earth. The façade features vertical and horizontal framing for fluid curvature, with a translucent emerald glass entrance on the south and expansive glazing on the north. Elevated above the lake, the museum integrates open social spaces, a steel-supported piazza, and a white jade-textured glass curtain wall. Sunlight filters through, creating an interplay of light and shadow, while scenic trails lead visitors to an island with panoramic views, establishing the museum as a city landmark.

Design Concept – Honoring Chinese Culture
The design takes inspiration from jade, a revered and valuable material historically used in significant rituals. The aerial view of the Yohoo Museum reveals a double-ring structure composed of two interlocking jade rings. This form symbolizes the connection between Liangzhu culture and the Grand Canal, representing a bridge between ancient heritage and contemporary influences.

The double-ring structure establishes a dynamic and cohesive form. Designed as a singular steel frame, the museum’s edges subtly lift off the ground without visible support, creating an illusion of weightlessness. Its smooth architectural contours enclose two public courtyards, while a circular light well symbolizes the connection between heaven and earth.

The facade extends horizontally, following the building’s form, with vertical and horizontal framing that creates a naturally flowing curvature. The main entrance on the south side features translucent “emerald glass” (multilayer laminated glass), ensuring a bright and evenly illuminated space suited for museum environments. On the north side, large transparent glass panels maximize views, offering an expansive perspective of the second-floor exhibition area and the first-floor office space. The glass exhibits a crystal-like clarity while reflecting the warm, gentle qualities of jade, striking a subtle balance between opacity and transparency to connect the exterior with the interior and bridge history with culture.

Design Feature – Merging Spaces
The museum is elevated above the lake, establishing a distinct urban landmark in the heart of Hangzhou. Its opposite edges are subtly uplifted, forming interconnected open spaces that offer varied spatial experiences and outdoor recreational areas for leisure and social interaction.

The elevated west side, supported by a steel structure, forms a dynamic piazza, while the north side features a glass curtain wall with a white jade texture extending toward the horizon. Translucent glass panels allow sunlight to filter into the interior, creating a soft interplay of light and shadow. Reflections enhance the spatial experience, adding depth and variation. Visitors can access the entrances via scenic trails leading to the island, where they can take in panoramic views of the surroundings. The museum’s undulating roof shifts in appearance depending on the viewing angle, establishing it as a timeless architectural symbol in Hangzhou. Design Director Ken Wai describes the Yohoo Museum in Yohoo Park as a pioneering art destination that provides a multi-dimensional interactive space for the community.