The Chishui Memorial Hall is situated within the Martyrs Cemetery in Chishui City, Guizhou Province. It serves as a tribute to the martyrs and patriots of the region. The cemetery is organized around a primary east-west commemorative axis. The southern side of the new building is set at an angle, while the Danxia stone steps at the main entrance honor the cemetery’s central memorial axis. Established in 2012, the Chishui Memorial Hall sits on the northern side of the cemetery’s main axis, positioned on a Danxia stone slope with a 10-meter elevation difference. Danxia stone, a distinctive red sandstone native to the Chishui area, owes its rich color to sedimentation processes.
△ General Layout Plan
The design of the memorial hall draws from the traditional “multi courtyard” architectural style unique to Chishui, Guizhou. This layout supports natural lighting and ventilation, which are especially beneficial in Chishui’s hot and humid climate. The integration of the “multi courtyard” concept with West Line Studio’s atmospheric design approach creates a courtyard ambiance that complements the solemn nature of the memorial hall. The double-sloped green tile roof is transformed into a continuous, flowing form that reflects the region’s distinctive terrain.
The memorial hall exhibits remains and memorabilia of martyrs through photographs and physical artifacts. The interior space features a flexible layout that is regularly updated to reflect different themes, and it remains open to the public on a consistent schedule.
The building’s “multi courtyard” layout features three courtyards arranged along the mountain slope, preserving existing trees. Two 30-meter-tall camphor trees, each over 50 years old, frame the main entrance courtyard. Meanwhile, the Northwest Triangle Courtyard offers a serene setting with a fragrant osmanthus tree. The bamboo forest to the west has also been preserved intentionally. These natural elements, alongside the modest blue tiled roofs, harmoniously blend the building into its surrounding landscape.
Each architectural element features distinct colors: a small blue tiled roof rests atop a pure white structure, anchored by a deep red foundation. This red base is crafted from Danxia stone, mirroring the original mountain’s materials. Skylights introduce nostalgic hues throughout the memorial hall. The entrance courtyard is bathed in soft yellow light, fostering a solemn yet vibrant atmosphere. To the north, two sets of frosted white skylights illuminate a narrow white courtyard, evoking a sense of purity and reverence. Additionally, a traditional surrounding walkway from old residential designs has been reimagined as a visitor corridor enriched with red lighting.
With its “multi courtyard” design, rich color palette, and carefully selected materials, the Chishui Memorial Hall fosters a contemplative environment. The architecture revitalizes and advances local construction traditions by maintaining the commemorative context, engaging with the surrounding environment, and employing cost-effective building methods.
△ Axonometric Diagram
△ Plan View
△ Roof Plan
△ Southwest Elevation View
△ Northeast Elevation View
△ Southeast Elevation View
△ Northwest Elevation View
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Project Name: Chishui Memorial Hall
Location: Chishui City, Guizhou Province, China
Floor Area: 2,162 square meters
Building Area: 619 square meters
Completion Year: 2012
Design Firm: West Line Studio
Official Website: http://www.china-west-line.com/
Contact Email: westline_studio@163.com
Lead Architects: Wei Haobo, Xie Jinsong
Team Members: Li Yuanping, Luo Yudan, Ou Minghua
Photography: Wei Haobo
Studio: West Line Studio
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