Chengdu Museum of Natural History takes Project of the Year at 2023 AIA CT Design Awards

Chengdu Museum of Natural History received Project of the Year from the 2023 AIA Connecticut Design Awards. Projects that receive an Award of Excellence are in the running for Project of Year.

A juror commented, "A fitting design for a natural history museum. A green building strategy that minimizes environmental impact, improves energy efficiency, and supports the natural environment."

Completed in 2022, the Chengdu Museum of Natural History is a new civic landmark for the city of Chengdu that celebrates its modern ethos and historical legacy. The museum’s dramatic forms embody the process of ancient, subsurface rock breaking apart due to volcanic activity and shifting tectonic plates. The museum is a preeminent institution for science and culture, and welcomes visitors around the world with expansive exhibits, public spaces, shops, a café, a cinema, educational facilities, and a verdant public landscape that invites gathering connection, and contemplation. The design features sustainability strategies such as rainwater harvesting system for reuse, high-performance envelope, integrated insulation technology, natural daylighting, and efficient waste management systems.

The awards gala was held on December 7, 2023 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. Partner Kristin Hawkins, AIA and the project’s design team leader, Cory Frost, AIA accepted the award. Staff of Pelli Clarke & Partners attended in support of the firm’s winning achievements.

In addition to Chengdu receiving an Award of Excellence and Project of the Year, 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue won an Award of Merit.

Pelli Clarke & Partners last won AIA Connecticut’s Project of the Year in 2019 for Hancher.