Like dinosaur eggs in the sand: the pterosaur museum built to thrive in the Gobi desert
How architects worked with harsh environment to create sustainable building in location where fossils were found
TL;DR
- The Hami Pterosaur Museum in China's Gobi desert is designed to withstand extreme temperatures, violent winds, and sandstorms.
- The museum is largely built underground to maintain stable temperatures year-round, reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Natural ventilation shafts and giant light funnels minimize electricity usage for climate control and lighting.
- A micro power grid with a solar farm powers the museum, aiming for energy self-sufficiency.
- The museum incorporates a grey water recycling system due to the scarcity of water in the Gobi desert.
- The design emphasizes adapting to the natural environment rather than isolating the building from it, a concept championed by the late architect Kongjian Yu.