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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Beside Jingrong Lake in Chengdu, China, the Chengdu Science Fiction Museum’s sweeping roof is designed to evoke an expanding nebula. The 2023-completed building combines that distinctive form with strategies including hybrid ventilation, roof-mounted photovoltaics and rainwater reuse. These are documented design features—not proof of quantified energy savings or post-occupancy performance.
Where is the cloud-like museum?
The Chengdu Science Fiction Museum is in the Science & Innovation New City, Pidu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, on the shore of Jingrong Lake. Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), the project’s architect, describes the museum as part of the lakeside park, with routes connecting public spaces, galleries, educational facilities, cafes and other amenities. Its program also includes a multi-function hall and conference centre.
How the building gets its cloud-like form
ZHA says the roof’s fluid forms radiate from a central point, “emulating an expanding nebula cloud with a star at its center.” The “star cloud” is the architect’s concept for the design, rather than a formal building type. Its broad, flowing canopy gives the museum its striking silhouette while bringing the roof into focus as a defining part of the architecture.
Project size and timeline
ZHA lists the project as 59,000 m² and gives project dates of 2022–2023. World Architecture’s project record lists a gross floor area of 59,458.84 m², a site area of 92,274.84 m² and a building footprint of 22,820.66 m². The gross-floor-area figure is more precise; ZHA’s 59,000 m² figure is rounded. ZHA names Chengdu Science and Innovation City Investment and Development Co. as the client.
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What makes its design climate-conscious?
ZHA describes a set of strategies for building operation and site water management. The project description explains the intended systems, but does not provide measured energy savings or other verified performance outcomes.
Hybrid ventilation adapted to local climate
The design uses natural hybrid ventilation, which combines natural airflow with mechanical systems. ZHA says the approach is adapted to Chengdu’s mild subtropical climate.
Photovoltaics in the roof canopy
Photovoltaic panels integrated into the large canopy contribute to the building’s energy demand, according to ZHA. The project information does not quantify their electricity generation or the share of demand they supply.
Rainwater management in the landscape
Native planting and a sustainable drainage system work with rainwater collection, storage, filtration and reuse. These measures address water management across the site; no water-saving total is stated.
Digital modelling and green-building rating
ZHA says digital modelling was used to improve efficiencies and identifies the project as meeting China’s Green Building Program 3-Star standard, which it calls the highest 3-Star standard. The project description does not set out a measured operational result associated with that rating.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Science fiction and Chengdu’s literary connection
The museum’s opening context is closely tied to the genre it celebrates. World Architecture reports that the venue opened by hosting the World Science Fiction Convention and the Hugo Awards—the first time those events were held in China. Chengdu also has a connection to author Liu Cixin: his novel The Three-Body Problem won the 2015 Hugo Award for Best Novel.
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