Shenyang Palace Museum Study

The Wenbo Study Room is a contemplative and inclusive space for cultural inheritance and future development, as well as an interactive platform for contemporaries to interpret the history and culture of a city. The colour palette of the Wenbo Study was carefully chosen after extensively studying the traditional Chinese theory of the Five Elements. Red (fire) symbolises prosperity, while green (wood) represents growth. Thus, lacquer red and peacock green were chosen to evoke the majesty and symbolism of the imperial architecture. Lighting design was treated with great sensitivity. Reflected light is used instead of direct lighting, and focused spotlights are concentrated only in the central area. This minimises light exposure on the surrounding ancient buildings and archival books to minimise long-term impact and damage. Beyond the usual approach of 'restoring the old as new', the designer proposes another path: allowing the old and the new to coexist. All new functions are integrated into an independent external structure using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery. The exoskeleton's metal frame is entirely self-supporting and makes no physical contact with the historic structure, with no new nails or intrusive joints introduced. Every modern intervention stands apart, respecting and preserving the integrity of the ancient architecture. Red Dot Award: Design Concept | Concept | Interior Architecture and Interior Design