Historical Memory
The China General Nuclear Power Daya Bay Nuclear Power Base marks the birthplace of large-scale commercial nuclear power in China. Over the past forty years, six nuclear power units have been constructed consecutively, evolving from technology import to independent innovation. This journey has led to significant milestones in domestic nuclear power, including the development of the “Hualong One” reactor.
Located on granite bedrock at Malingjiao in the 1980s, the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Station involved extensive mountain and rock excavation, land reclamation, and factory construction. The project site lies within a former quarry, with the surrounding mountainous terrain bearing the historical imprints of the nuclear base’s development. Through restoration and redesign, the Daya Bay Nuclear Science and Technology Museum was established to let the landforms narrate the passage of history.
The Mountain Reshaping Science and Technology Museum is situated at the highest point in the center of the nuclear power base. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the mountain, the stepped-back structure resembles a theater tier, offering panoramic views of all six nuclear units.
The building’s solid and robust geometric form symbolizes enduring nuclear safety and resilience against typhoons. Its exterior features a local granite color palette with vertically chiseled textures, harmonizing with the exposed mountain rock and mining relics surrounding the site.
The museum’s entrance square seamlessly merges with nature, where the sea meets the sky, evoking the feeling of an archaeological excavation site. The main landscape incorporates rough natural stones excavated from the site, while a preserved banyan tree at the square’s center stands as a living testament to forty years of history.
The roof design combined with the outdoor exhibition pathway creates a unique scenic experience that blends with the natural environment, transforming into a public green hiking trail.
The cylindrical model of the nuclear island, symbolizing a spiritual fortress, serves as the iconic centerpiece of the project.
The exhibition space unfolds in a linear, winding layout that makes the most of the terrain. It includes sunken courtyards, sea-view platforms, reactor and turbine models, main exhibition halls, and science education areas.
The museum’s industrial aesthetic is aligned with its dragon-shaped design, facilitating smooth flow for visitors both indoors and outdoors. Its structure features keel-shaped ribbed beams supporting continuous floor slabs, creating a large, column-free exhibition area. The massive plain concrete frame emphasizes strength and an industrial character.
China’s commitment to openness and transparency extends to its development and use of nuclear energy to combat climate change. The Daya Bay Nuclear Science and Technology Museum serves as a platform to educate the public on nuclear power’s progress, achievements, and safety measures.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Third Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Axonometric Diagram
Project Information
Architect: E+UV, Huayi Design
Area: 11,556 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographers: Zhang Chao, Liu Zhengyong, Li Fu, Fan Ye
Manufacturer: Qibin Group, Fujian Golden Hemp
Lead Designer: Li Fu
Design Team: Yijia Unique Perspective: Li Fu, Zhou Yiyi, Scope, Ouyang Jie, Ma Kai, Wang Junli, Zhang Xubin, Stephane Anil Mamode, Dong Siyi, Zhang Junchao, Lai Jiawei
General Managers: Chen Ribiao, Xia Xi
Engineering Manager: Zhou Xin
Architecture: Lao Yuming, Lei Qiongyan, Zheng Xiao
General Drawing: Chang Yimin, Kou Mengqi
Energy Saving: Tang Yuanyi
Structure: Hu Tao, Lu Wenting, Zhou Xiaoguang, Peng Jiamu, Li Jiarui
Water Supply and Drainage: Wang Guoming, Lin Jinbiao, Chen Yu
HVAC: Ling Yun, Qi Guohui, Liang Zhiwei
Electrical: Ma Tengyue, Lin Zhengjie
Landscape Design: Shenzhen Huatang Landscape Architecture Firm, Fan Ye, Wu Jingbiao, Yang Qimin, Huang Xiaolian, Zhang Ruiting, Sun Chao, Liu Jingjing
Interior Design: Houpu Design, Wang Jianxun, Guo Wentao, Li Jiaying, Mu Jiangtao
Lighting Design: Shenzhen Dasheng Environmental Art Co., Ltd., Du Jianxiang, Zheng Chao, Yu Xia, Deng Kaine, He Xiaolin, Yuan Xianping
Curtain Wall Design: Shenzhen Pengge Curtain Wall Design Consulting Co., Ltd., Wang Jiye, Cui Hong, Jiang Mengjun, He Yongsheng
Function: Museum
Principal: Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint Venture Co., Ltd
Construction Party: CNNC Huaxing Construction Co., Ltd
Exhibition Design: Shenzhen Jieersi Exhibition Co., Ltd
Location: Shenzhen
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