Issues and Conceptual Framework for Museum Spatial and Exhibition Design in China

Authors

  • Sijia Zhang Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Zulkarnain Hazim Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
  • Norashikin Abdul Karim Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22i2.3050

Keywords:

China museums, Spatial, Exhibition

Abstract

This study reviews theories on the impact of spatial design and display systems on audiences in Chinese museums and unpacks how spaces and display systems affect audiences. With the rapid development of Chinese museum industry, diversified exhibition design is a prerequisite for museum development. For example, various display systems provide visitors with comprehensive information and improve their visiting experience, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship between visitors and museums. At the same time, museums are constantly refining their spatial design to enhance visitors’ experience and ensure effective use of space. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the impact of spatial and exhibition design factors in museums on the visitor experience. This study provides a comprehensive review of journals, books, conference papers, and other textual resources to establish a framework for understanding how museum space and exhibition design can affect the visitor experience. The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework for museum spaces and exhibitions in China. For instance, to improve visitors’ visiting experience and space utilisation in the museum, Chinese museum designers should optimise functional space and good design of basic configurations. Moreover, the display system can be achieved through dynamic and static displays, ergonomic principles, colour use, and the choice of display cases. This study also aims to contribute to the literature by proposing design concepts to form the basis for future museum layouts and exhibition display system designs. At the end of this study, the author provides valuable insights into design decisions for museums in China.

Author Biographies

Sijia Zhang, Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

Sijia Zhang, PhD student at the Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Malaysia. Her main research areas are interior design and museum design. She has published numerous academic papers, contributed to the compilation of several textbooks, and participated in design practice projects. She has developed her insights and perspectives on design.She received an international Commercial Art designer certificate. She can be reached through email at zhangsijiaad@163.com.

Zulkarnain Hazim, Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

Dr. Zulkarnain Hazim, he is a Lecturer of the Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Malaysia. His work focuses on creative thinking, design practice, design process and project management in the Interior Design field with a particular interest in questions of design curiosity and value. He also registered Interior Designer with Lembaga Architect Malaysia. He can be reached through his email at zulka606@uitm.edu.my.

Norashikin Abdul Karim, Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

Dr. Norashikin Abdul Karim. She is a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Built Environment Studies and Technology, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 32610 Seri Iskandar,Malaysia. She is a member of the International Council of Museum (ICOM), the Malaysia National Committee of ICOM, the International Committee of Historic House Museum (DEMHIST-UK) and BADAN WARISAN MALAYSIA. She presented and published papers in journals and proceedings at national and international levels in area of the museum’s design, preservation, conservation, heritage and culture. She also engaged in several innovation competitions and obtained awards and recognition. She can be reached through her email at noras338@uitm.edu.my.

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Published

01-07-2025

How to Cite

Zhang, S., Hazim, Z. ., & Abdul Karim, N. . (2025). Issues and Conceptual Framework for Museum Spatial and Exhibition Design in China . Built Environment Journal, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22i2.3050

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 2 (2025): Built Environment Journal

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Sijia Zhang, Zulkarnain Hazim, Norashikin Abdul Karim

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