The project is a museum design based on a site at the perimeter of the Zhongshan Rd. district in the old urban area of Qingdao. Starting from the era of the German occupation, in the area of Tapautau, a type of residential architecture combining western characteristics and Chinese traditions, commonly known as "Liyuan", was formed. Over the years, Liyuan buildings have been the major residential form for the middle and lower class people of Qingdao. It is not only a shelter for Qingdao citizens, but also a witness to the city’s history and defines the characteristics of the costal area. Since the 1990s, the bustling neighborhood where Liyuan buildings once stood has fallen into decline, with businesses closed and residents removed, leaving Liyuan buildings unoccupied. In recent years, the heart of Zhongshan Rd district has undergone renovation, however, many perimeter areas remain neglected. The aim of the project is to boost vitality of the area through the intervention of a dynamic new construction while attracting people and commercial activities back to the neignborhood through the adaptive reuse and renovation of existing buildings, saving unoccupied buildings from decline and deterioration. The project provides a unique perspective on the research and preservation of Liyuan buildings through the integration of traditional characteristics and techniques and creating a dynamic interaction between the old and new.

The project fucuses on the integration between existing buildings and a new construction, in terms of form, function and spatial experience. Based on the historic documents found, original characteristics of existing buildings are restored, while adaptations are made to cope with modern regulations and functional requirements. The new construction is centered around a suspended exhibition area suspended over the existing buildings, with a single-flow circulation providing a unique perspective for audiences to dicover Liyuan architecture through continuous movement within the diverse exhibition spaces.

The load-bearing structure of the building is of a steel construction with trussed elements over the existing buildings to minimise the building footprint, reducing conflict with existing buildings while allowing dynamic forms. Supporting towers and columns are place alternately in order to achive balance against horizontal loads. A lightweight exterior wall system of glass and perforated metal panels are attached to the main structure.