Recently, AIA Chicago announced the winners of its 2026 Design Excellence Awards. The Suzhou Science and Technology Museum, designed by international architectural firm Perkins&Will, earned a Citation of Merit in the Large Building category.
Located at Shishan Cultural Plaza in Suzhou New District (SND), the museum is a key component of the redevelopment of the former Suzhou Amusement Land site. Alongside the Suzhou Museum West and the Shishan Grand Theatre, it is part of a cluster of cultural landmarks in the Shishan area.
Helmed by Ralph Johnson, Design Director at Perkins&Will, the building draws inspiration from Suzhou’s long-standing silk-making heritage. Its roof resembles an unfurling ribbon, winding gracefully along the lakeshore and resonating with the Shishan Hill, the lake and surrounding green spaces.
