Museum created by HAS Design and Research “Simple Design Archive – a poetic sanctuary” – ADF Web Magazine

Museum created by HAS Design and Research “Simple Design Archive – a poetic sanctuary”

ADF01/09/2025≫ Architect

Simple Design Archive – A Poetic Sanctuary

Exploring New Architectural Possibilities Merging Nature and the Urban Realm

Simple Design Archive is a hybrid museum that showcases contemporary Asian artworks and modern Northern European furniture. Located at the foot of Huangshan Mountain in Anhui, China, the museum is surrounded by scenery so poetic that it evokes a sense of eternity and spiritual resonance. Inspired by this natural beauty, Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee of HAS Design and Research designed the museum as a space where nature and architecture flow seamlessly together. ADF is the media partner for supporting Thailand ASA architect members Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee.

13_Architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee aimed to create a timeless space ©W Workspace

A Unique Entrance Melding Nature and Sound

The museum’s entrance features about ten curved walls resembling landscape caves, which block external noise and create an "echo chamber" courtyard. These walls vary in height, fostering a poetic acoustic space. By day, the courtyard attracts birds and insects, enriching visitors with natural sounds. In the afternoon, the walls filter harsh western sunlight, creating a sacred and serene atmosphere that contrasts with the urban surroundings.

: 40_The building features openings instead of windows, creating a sense of mystery ©W Workspace

: 14_The extended curved wall forms a natural entryway ©W Workspace

: 31_Nature and architecture merge seamlessly into one another ©W Workspace

: 66_View from the entrance to the foyer ©W Workspace

: 67_The forest in the front coexists with the oval bubbles wall ©W Workspace

: 68_A unique green approach experience ©W Workspace

: 69_The curved wall not only guides the flow of movement but also creates a unique framing effect ©W Workspace

: 30_The extension of the interior space provides visitors with a relaxing nature effect ©W Workspace

: 42_Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) have designed a unique circulation for these art spaces ©W Workspace

: 40_The building features openings instead of windows, creating a sense of mystery ©W Workspace

: 15_The wall also introduces a unique play of light and shadow to the interior space ©W Workspace

Dynamic Design and the Allure of Materials

The curved walls continue into the interior, blending the outdoor and indoor spaces seamlessly. Within the gallery, a five-meter skylight casts dynamic patterns of light and shadow onto the seasonal garden below, evoking a timeless sense of change. In the art and materials library, handcrafted furniture complements the art collections, offering visitors a relaxed viewing experience.

: 41_Buildings create living spaces for green plants and residents ©W Workspace

: 63_The oval bubbles create a green environment within the existing urban concrete jungle ©W Workspace

: 62_The reflection of the forest extends nature into the interior space ©W Workspace

: 61_The seasonal skylight forest garden creates a unique interplay of light and shadow ©W Workspace

: 6_The curved wall extends upward, creating a unique skylight effect ©W Workspace

: 5_The infinite curved wall extends from the inside to the outside © W Workspace

: 51_The unique seasonal skylight forest garden imbues the interior with spirituality and ritual ©W Workspace

: 50_Seasonal skylight forest garden links both exterior and interior spaces seamlessly ©W Workspace

: 20_The transparent foyer seamlessly integrates with the forest ©W Workspace

: 22_The external curved wall brings a sense of tranquility to the interior space ©W Workspace

A Poetic Architecture that Enriches Urban Life

More than just a museum, the Simple Design Archive provides a poetic sanctuary that fosters relaxation and belonging in a bustling city. Hung and Songkittipakdee integrate natural and artificial elements to create a new form of architecture rooted in urban characteristics. The museum invites contemplation and offers visitors a fresh perspective on life and the relationship between nature and human creativity.

: 56_The curved wall and ceiling provide a dynamic experience ©W Workspace

: 47_The floating ceiling creates a pure effect, akin to sunlight pouring down from the sky ©W Workspace

: 46_The internal art space exudes elegance and timelessness ©W Workspace

: 37_The architectural illustration of the Echo Chamber Courtyard evokes ritualistic emotions ©HAS design and research

HAS Design and Research

HAS Design and Research explores Asia’s architectural language through a "design + research" approach. Founders Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee develop innovative architectural styles characterized by improvisation, craftsmanship, and adaptability, creating harmony between urban and natural elements.