Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron has established a remarkable presence across Asia, creating some of the most impressive cultural landmarks that demonstrate their signature approach to balancing structure, texture, and light. Known globally for iconic projects like London's Tate Modern and Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie, the firm has successfully adapted their architectural philosophy to Asian contexts, creating buildings that respond to unique spatial, cultural, and technical challenges while reshaping the rhythm of modern cities.
Each of Herzog & de Meuron's Asian projects reflects a careful adjustment to local conditions, demonstrating both the ambitious vision of their clients and the specific requirements of each site. For architecture enthusiasts and travelers who appreciate both historical and contemporary design, these buildings serve as more than mere case studies—they function as defining landmarks that fundamentally shape how visitors experience and navigate their respective cities.
The firm's projects spanning Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo showcase their exceptional ability to translate their signature interest in materiality and form across diverse climates and varying urban densities. Whether designing museums, corporate headquarters, or flagship retail stores, these structures illustrate how Herzog & de Meuron successfully navigate different architectural environments while maintaining both contextual sensitivity and clear purpose in their designs.
A prime example of this approach is the M+ Museum in Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District, which opened in late 2021 along the scenic Victoria Harbour waterfront. This ambitious project, designed by Herzog & de Meuron in collaboration with TFP Farrells and Arup, encompasses an impressive 65,000 square meters of total building area, with approximately 17,000 square meters dedicated specifically to exhibition space distributed across 33 distinct galleries.
What makes the M+ Museum particularly fascinating from an architectural standpoint is how the design team addressed multiple pre-existing constraints that significantly influenced the building's form and function. The site presented unique challenges, as the MTR Airport Express and Tung Chung railway lines run directly beneath the location. As the architects explained, this "found space" of the underground tunnels became a crucial factor that shaped the overall design approach and structural solutions.
The building's architectural composition divides into two primary elements: a substantial podium base and a distinctive vertical tower rising above it. The façades feature a concrete structure elegantly clad in ceramic tiles, creating surfaces that respond dynamically to changing light conditions and weather patterns throughout the day and seasons. This material choice and treatment help distinguish the museum from the surrounding forest of glass and steel towers that dominate Hong Kong's skyline.
While much of the media attention surrounding the M+ Museum has focused on its prominent LED media display facing Victoria Harbour, the building's interior layout represents an equally impressive architectural achievement that has received less public commentary. The internal design skillfully connects the various gallery spaces with learning areas, public circulation routes, and rooftop terraces, creating a seamless flow that enhances the visitor experience and maximizes the building's cultural and educational potential.
