Design Inspirations

I was born and raised in Anhui Province, China, and I have been deeply influenced by the rich cultural heritage of my homeland. For my design project, I'm inspired by the Xuan Paper Cultural Park, a testament to the enduring legacy of Xuan paper, a symbol of Anhui's artistic and historical significance. This park, showcasing the delicate art of Xuan paper making, blends traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, embodying a harmony between nature and art.In my design journey, I aim to capture the essence of this cultural park, emphasizing the integration of natural elements and cultural motifs. Key design features will include the use of flowing water and natural light, mirroring the fluidity and translucence of Xuan paper. Structures will be designed with minimalistic elegance, reflecting the simplicity and purity of the paper-making process. The incorporation of local materials and traditional architectural techniques will not only pay homage to ancestral skills but also promote sustainability and environmental consciousness.

Big Feature Ideas (including sustainable design)

1. Xuan Paper Texture in Architecture: For sustainability purposes, Instead of using concrete, I will use bamboo as the primary material, leveraging the natural variations of bending bamboo to interpret the unique texture of Xuan paper. In the treatment of the sections, manual chiseling is employed to replicate the rough edges characteristic of handmade Xuan paper.

2. A Design Like a Painting: The design will control the visual composition with very few objects, creating an ambiance of space. The buildings are laid out along the water, drawing inspiration from the distant mountain style of Dong Yuan's landscape paintings, echoing the continuous mountains in the background. For sustainability purposes, The building will be designed with translucent glass all around. This not only maximizes the use of natural light to save energy but also creates a picturesque interplay of light and shadow. In addition, a system to collect and store rainwater for use in the park’s gardens will be implemented to reduce the demand for local water resources.

3. Journey Through Paper Mountains: Through the rich variation of vertical elevations in flowing spaces, numerous continuous ramps will be formed, enhancing the unique appeal of the paper mountain journey. The architecture will feature multiple paths leading to the building rooftops, where solar panels will be installed, ingeniously integrating the function of Xuan paper drying areas. Under the separation of white fair-faced bamboo slices, a pure and magnificent touring experience will be formed.

In short, these ideas aim to capture the beauty and simplicity of Xuan paper, with spaces that are calming and inspiring, just like being in a beautiful painting.