Nashan Geological Museum / Xiamen Urban Environment Design & Engineering

Architects: Xiamen Urban Environment Design & Engineering
Area: 3126 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Yingchun Feng, Zehua Zhou
Lead Architects: Yiming Min
Landscape: Xiamen Urban Environment Design & Engineering Co.,Ltd
Design Team: Shulin Lu, Lijuan Dai, Xiaoqian Zhang, Xiaobin Huang, Yang Liu
Clients: Yizheng Nashan Tourism Development Co., LTD
Collaborators: Xiamen Feilan Architectural Design Office Co., LTD, Fujian Southeast Architecture Design Group Co.，Ltd
City: Yangzhou
Country: China

Nashan Geological Museum, designed by Xiamen Urban Environment Design & Engineering in Yizheng, Jiangsu, integrates economic and ecological goals by transforming an ancient volcano into a geological park and museum. Completed in 2021, the museum’s architecture, inspired by the shield-shaped volcano, uses local materials and offers visitors a spiral path experience with panoramic views. The museum educates the public on geological heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and conservation.

Nashan geological museum / xiamen urban environment design & engineering

Nashan Mountain, an ancient shield-shaped volcano formed 10 million years ago, showcases a range of geological features including basalt columns, sandstone, sedimentary rock, breccia, peridotite, diabase, volcanic bombs, and volcanic cinder. Notable discoveries include yuhua stones, wood fossils, and bone fossils from the Cretaceous period. The most valuable asset of Nashan Mountain is its basalt columns.

Around 45 years ago, local villagers used explosives to quarry the mountains for building materials, exposing the volcano’s structure. To protect the ecological environment and geological relics, the local government sealed Nashan Mountain 20 years ago. A decade ago, they agreed to build a geological park with a unique museum, transforming the area into a tourist attraction and ecological reserve.

Xiamen Urban Environment Design & Engineering was invited to develop a master plan for the geological park, aiming to balance economic growth with ecological preservation. The plan emphasizes the geological heritage value of the extinct volcano, ensuring sustainable protection and utilization.

The museum’s design, inspired by the shield-shaped volcano, features an exterior inlaid with stones from the local mountain, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. Inside, a spiral structure guides visitors upwards, while the rooftop serves as a viewing terrace offering panoramic views of the stone columns and the night sky. Visitors can return to the ground via an exterior path or by grass surfing, enhancing the indoor and outdoor interaction.

Built with local materials such as basalt and bricks, the museum reflects the area’s history and nature, keeping costs and maintenance low. The design integrates the geological evolution and local history, using the landscape and 4D technology to enhance the visitor experience of the ancient volcanic geology.

The museum highlights the geological importance of Nashan Mountain, fostering conservation and public awareness. The Nashan Geological Museum is both functional and sculptural, offering a new way to explore architecture and nature.