Ceramic Panels Adorn the Undulating Rooftop of the UCCA Clay Museum, Inspired by Yixings Pottery Tradition in China | Kengo Kuma and Associates

UCCA Clay, designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates, is a new museum in Yixing, known as the ‘pottery city’ for its rich tradition in purple clay pottery. The site, once a hub of ceramic production, is part of a redevelopment plan to create a vibrant center for pottery culture with studios and workshops while preserving remnants of old factories. Featuring an undulating rooftop covered in ceramic panels, the museum serves as a sculptural landmark in the city. Read more on SURFACES REPORTER (SR):

Inspired by Shushan Mountain

Kengo Kuma and Associates drew inspiration from Shushan Mountain for the design of UCCA Clay, their ceramics museum. Revered by the literary figure Su Dongpo from the Northern Song Dynasty, the ceramic-clad structure also pays homage to the historic dragon kiln, a climbing kiln in operation for over six centuries. 

Its sinuous, peak-like form reflects a mountain range, enhancing the building's connection to the region's historical and geographic context. Strategic openings link the museum to nearby pottery factories and the canal, improving accessibility and emphasizing the site’s significance.

Dynamic Design and Local Craftsmanship

Kengo Kuma’s UCCA Clay features a distinctive inverted shell roof, shaped by a virtual sphere and supported by four layers of lightweight wooden lattice beams. This structure creates a dynamic interior that guides visitors through the museum and encourages exploration of the exhibits.

The facade, developed in collaboration with local craftspeople, embodies Yixing’s pottery culture. Its intentionally uneven surface and gradient glaze shift in color throughout the day and seasons, providing varied textures and visual expressions.

The ceramic panels, reminiscent of Chinese tea utensils, reflect the city’s rich pottery history spanning over 1,000 years.

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