Yushu Memorial of Earthquake Ruins

The memorial is located beside the King Gesar Palace Relics at the southern entrance of the town of Jiegu, and is the gateway to Yushu. The project takes the preserved King Gesar Palace Relics as the main body of exhibition, and the main body of the memorial is hidden below the ground. Old and new structures are above and under the ground respectively, thus the volume above the ground is controlled in order to emphasize the visual impact and commemorative meaning of the relics itself to the maximum. The ground is defined by two linear elements, and the square enclosed by the elements is the commemorative place for holding ceremonies and gatherings. The fold line shaped “cracks” that run through the square define the protection area of the relics as lighting cracks, on the other hand, they establish the visual connection between the relics and the underground exhibition halls. The minimal linear long commemorative wall is made of bluish ashlars and directly points to the Jiegu Temple. The wall not only implies inherent spiritual meanings but also becomes the background of the relics, and the 85 prayer wheels installed along the wall also become an important part of people’s gateway to Yushu and path of prayer.

The main body of the building is hidden below the ground, and pure “square” and “rotundity” are taken as the basic prototype. The project adopts the strategy of regional architectural design, showcasing the unique characteristics of Tibetan architecture with the application of three basic architectural elements – materials, colours and lights. The interior space creates a modest and solemn spatial atmosphere by applying modern materials such as bluish ashlars, plain concrete and saffron weather-proof and antirust steel plates. When people gradually walk into the central blessing hall via the linear spatial sequence, the cohesive round space and surrounding niche matrix attempt to arouse the spiritual resonance deep inside the visitors’ hearts, transform the heavy memories of the disaster to the blessing for lives, and convey a philosophy of life that promotes the harmonious coexistence between human beings and the nature.