From the use of animal skins to create the envelope of a tent, to building structures from bones, and using dried mud for masonry, humans have long turned to the earth for inspiration and to provide us with the materials to build.

© Eiichi Kano

From the use of animal skins to create the envelope of a tent, to building structures from bones, and using dried mud for masonry, humans have long turned to the earth for inspiration and to provide us with the materials to build.For ArchDaily?s second Project of the Month we want to highlight the versatile ways that architects can embrace ancient traditions. Kengo Kuma?s China Academy of Arts? Folk Art Museum combines traditional techniques with recycled materials to create a subtle yet powerful structure.China Academy of Arts' Folk Art Museum / Kengo Kuma & AssociatesSelected for its careful treatment of the landscape, together with its materiality and structure, this project celebrates a duality in the Chinese culture of today: modern construction techniques versus tradition and handcraft.1. Landscape and contextThe Museum is located in Hangzhou, on a site that was previously used as a tea field. Because of this, the landscape has been reshaped, forming a series of slopes and terraces.The design creates a fluid transition from the lower ground all the way up through the terraces, creating individual interior terraces. The staggered landscape inspires new artificial tectonics, carefully sculpted to appear as thou...