Reaction

The Chinese Government worked hand and hand with the World Monument Fund (WMF) for the
restoration of another part of the Forbidden City. They opened another 2 hectare of land open to all
tourist to see the wonders of Chinese Architecture and their history. This is a remarkable feat for
Annabelle Selldorf Architects for them to contribute in preserving the Qing Dynasty has built.

This particular event has given a new perspective on how the other countries the built historical
heritage they have. I learned that the structures built by the past civilization, plays an important role in
place making, city-branding and identity. The heritage and culture of each country is unique because it
something any person can be proud on and should not be forgotten. It is a sad thought that some of
our historical buildings are demolished to pave way for modern developments. This is something we
could learn from other countries like China and other western countries to invest more in preserving
our national treasures because it is something we could pass on to the next generation.

Panotes, Venice Angelic A.

4AR-1
February 8, 2019
Reaction Paper No.3
Beijing's Forbidden City to be Opened to the Public for the First Time,
with Restoration by Selldorf Architects
11:00 - 29 January, 2019
by Niall Patrick Walsh

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has

announced Annabelle Selldorf as architect of the
new Qianlong Garden Interpretation Center
within the iconic Forbidden City in Beijing, China.
One of few American architects to lead
architectural projects at the site, Selldorf’s
scheme will allow the public access to the
Qianlong Garden for the first time, permitted
through a new Visitor’s Center.

Selldorf, working with her NYC-based firm Selldorf

Architects, will design the interpretation center
within an existing, restored structure of the Qianlong Garden’s second courtyard. Designed as three
distinct halls surrounding an open pavilion, the different spaces within the restoration will offer a
unique perspective on the past and present of the Forbidden City.

Occupying almost two acres in the northeast quarter of the Forbidden City, the Qianlong Garden was
built between 1771 and 1776 by the forth emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The gardens were designed as
a private retreat, with four courtyards, elaborate rockeries, and 27 pavilions and structures. The
structures have been dormant since 1924, and have never been open to the public.

Under Selldorf’s scheme, the building’s west hall will serve as an exhibition space to present the
eighteenth-century design and creation of the Qianlong Garden, while the east hall will present the
conservation of the complex. The main hall will be an open space offering an unobstructed view of the
third courtyard rockeries, allowing visitors to peacefully contemplate the garden. Selldorf will
collaborate with exhibition curator Nancy Berliner on the content of each hall, seeking to engage all the
senses through artifacts, videos, and other didactic material.

Construction of the interior of the interpretation

center is set to begin in late 2019. The scheme
forms part of a comprehensive restoration of
the Qianlong Garden, designed in collaboration
with the Palace Museum, which is set to be
completed in 2020. The project is being led by
the World Monuments Fund, which has been
conserving the Garden since 2004.
Source:
https://www.archdaily.com/910447/beijings-forbidden-city-to-be-opened-to-the-public-for-the-first-
time-with-restoration-by-selldorf-architects