A design proposal for adaptation of a historic fortification to an outdoor museum

Xi’an Ming Circumvallation is the most complete and largest fortification that has survived in China and one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. This historic heritage is currently facing a great threat from urbanization and population growth. This site provides a potential opportunity to test a new definition of an urban heritage site, functioning as a museum and maintaining a sustainable balance between urbanization and material culture. A kit of parts based on key features repeated on the site helped generate the design, which encourages interpreting the history, celebrating traditions, educating the public, and improving water quality throughout the site. This proposed design reconnects historic sites with surrounding urban areas, introducing a new definition of urban historic heritage, reborn as an urban museum that represents and interacts with public memory. Reflecting local culture and tradition, the design interprets the meaning of fortification to preserve and address historical and cultural elements as an urban museum.