Interview about Hui House Architectural Exhibition Book, winner of the A' Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design Award 2024
The art book depicts Hui style architecture, the unique ancient architectural school, and a fading heritage in China that verifies the cultural integration dated back millennia. Each page showcases comprehensive yet digestible information and when overlaid, they transform into a delicate 3D Hui style panorama to attract a broader audience, unveiling not only architectural details with spatial reference and proportionality but also the misty Hui regional culture landscape.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe concept for the Hui House Architectural Exhibition Book began as an idea to not only document but to immerse readers in Hui architecture’s unique spatial depth and cultural richness. Inspired by the layered beauty of Hui-style courtyards and the fog-laden atmosphere of the Huizhou region, I envisioned each page as a “window” into this intricate world. From initial sketches to the final execution, our approach evolved through blending Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) with artistic design, transforming each layer of the book into a small-scale, interactive 3D panorama. This tactile approach allows readers to experience Hui architecture as a journey—revealing the intricate carvings, structural flow, and cultural symbols page by page.
Combining the precision of Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) with an engaging visual format was a foundational challenge. Our task was to transform raw 3D scans into accessible, layered illustrations that stay true to the architectural origins of Hui structures, preserving details from wood carvings to spatial relationships. We crafted a unique “window channel” effect, creating a tranquil, miniature Hui residence veiled in mist with layered acetate printing, while large-scale matte art papers unveil more detailed documentary elements—such as craftsmanship, furniture, structural components, and spatial functions. Each layer printing, from artistic paper to embedded acetate, is thoughtfully coordinated to stand alone yet align as a cohesive visual journey, where each acetate sheet complements the corresponding matte layer in flow and density. By balancing accuracy with visual appeal, we achieved an artistic representation that maintains historical fidelity while drawing readers into the layered beauty of Hui architecture.
Choosing acetate fiber papers and specialized printing techniques was key to creating the book’s immersive experience. I experimented with various materials to achieve a subtle, almost ethereal transparency that could echo the atmospheric depth of Hui architecture. Acetate fiber allowed us to present layered scenes where transparency gives way to shadowed recesses, just like the courtyards of Hui houses. Silk-screen and UV printing techniques added high-definition detail without compromising this delicate layering. This combination achieves a harmonious balance, bringing the architectural precision and sensory experience of Hui homes to life with every turn of the page.
The Hui House Architectural Exhibition Book seamlessly combines archival documentation with interactive storytelling, designed to ensure its place as a collector’s edition and a versatile educational tool. This format allows the book to serve a wide range of purposes—introducing Hui architecture to children, enthusiasts, and scholars alike, while also functioning as an accessible catalog for libraries, architectural firms, museums, and shared spaces. Its layered design and "window channel" effect invite readers at various stages of interest or expertise to explore and appreciate Hui architecture in a way that evolves over time. For a young reader or beginner, the tactile appeal of layered pages and immersive spatial design sparks curiosity and engagement. As readers grow or deepen their knowledge, the book’s printed details—such as material textures, construction components, and architectural insights invite more focused study. This format turns heritage from a static record into a dynamic experience, encouraging readers to approach architecture as a journey of both emotion and discovery. In a world where heritage can feel distant or intangible, this collectible book serves as a curated stage, offering a multi-layered, immersive approach that redefines how we connect with and preserve cultural legacies.
Hui architecture is inherently a cultural synthesis of Central Plains civilization with ancient Yue culture, and the historical blend guided our emphasis on axial symmetry and sectional layering in both visual and structural elements, aligning naturally with the architectural forms shaped by these cultural influences—minimalistic yet distinctive. I wanted readers to feel how each architectural feature, whether the courtyards, lofts, or intricate carvings, embodies this fusion of cultural heritage.
The idea of layering “windows” within the book was inspired by the architectural discovery process within a Hui residence. Walking through these homes is an invitation to look deeper, to pause, and to find connections between open and enclosed spaces. I wanted readers to experience that same sense of unfolding as they move through the book. Each layer offers a self-paced journey, allowing readers to explore spatial relationships from different vantage points and appreciate the intricate details that define Hui architecture. This approach makes the act of “reading” the book as engaging as a real architectural tour.
Our collaboration with the International Association of Hui Art & Studies and subsequent exhibitions at HuiZhou Museum and Bengbu Museum validated the educational potential of the Hui House Architectural Exhibition Book in a profound way. These exhibitions endorsed the book as a valuable tool in raising awareness for Hui architectural heritage. By engaging museum visitors—especially children and students—the book extends beyond a simple visual guide to become a hands-on, exploratory medium that fosters curiosity and appreciation for this cultural legacy. This partnership has amplified our reach, encouraging more inclusive cultural preservation efforts and inspiring future educational initiatives.
Achieving architectural precision while crafting an engaging narrative demanded a carefully orchestrated use of Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM). Using 3D scanning, we meticulously captured every detail of historic Hui structures—original proportions, textures, and spatial relationships—to create accurate digital reconstructions. This process allowed us to authentically layer architectural elements, maintaining fidelity to the dimensions and spatial flow that define Hui-style design. Integrating these precise models into the book’s design enables readers to experience Hui architecture in an intricate, three-dimensional form. Each layered, translucent page brings to life the enchanting spatial depth, intricate wood and stone carvings, and culturally rich layout unique to Hui homes. Through the tactile, stacked-paper effect, we transformed the static into immersive, achieving a dynamic balance between historical accuracy and a visually captivating journey into Hui heritage.
I hope that the Hui House Architectural Exhibition Book resonates with or inspires more designers and cultural organizations to explore diverse methods of documentation, particularly when it comes to preserving and presenting endangered traditions through a modern, innovative lens. Capturing and sharing these legacies is challenging but profoundly meaningful, as every effort contributes to the safeguarding of cultural heritage. By demonstrating how immersive design can convey historical details and cultural narratives, this project aims to foster broader participation in heritage preservation. Through the combination of innovative techniques and technology with traditional architectural themes, I hope it can encourage similar preservation initiatives across the globe.
This recognition enhances its potential to reach new audiences and institutions committed to cultural preservation. The award validates our efforts and encourages continued innovation in promoting Hui architecture, helping us to further our mission of safeguarding and sharing this unique cultural heritage.
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