Architecture is a language, an attitude and an icon that reflects, transforms the sociopolitical world into physical space. We believe architects have to be visionaries which always have the dream to make a better world. Our lifelong effort is to turn the dream into reality. Thinking outside the box, pushing the boundary of architecture are our mission. We believe the power of imagination and great achievements always come with how we could think differently, providing creative solutions to our clients and greater society. We strive to create interesting space, memorable moments, as well as a more sustainable architecture. We keep ask ourselves whether there is a way to achieve a balance between the natural majesty and the dynamic modernity of our cities.
Future City, Somewhere in the Space
Client People Year 2015
In 2012, Frank Li embarked on a 1,300 miles journey from Chengdu in Sichuan province to the pilgrim’s city of Lhasa, Tibet. Frank made this journey by bicycle. On the way, he traversed 12 mountains, all higher than 13,000 ft. During this time he found himself enthralled with the beauty of nature. This experience caused him to rethink the cities people live in. He have been keeping ask himself whether there is a way to achieve a balance between the natural majesty and the dynamic modernity of current cities.
This exploration aims to create this balance in our built environment. The research contains applying Chinese philosophy of Daoism and I Ching to contemporary urban design as well as discovering new morphology of architecture inspired by natural objects. Architecture and environment should be considered as a single entity. The design not only merely imitate the forms of the natural world, but also needs to convey the inner experience of nature in order to reach ‘spiritual resemblance’. The discussion of the future city comes at a time when the modern city is facing an environmental crisis, which we have to re-think the relationship between humanity and nature.
Beyond function, architecture could provide poetic and joyful feelings to people. Le Corbusier was pushing the limits, pushing the envelope, he had a concept about space, society, how people should live...If we look at Archigram and Superstudio in the 60s, the Deconstructivist group in the 90s, there were the most creative, intuitive geniuses like Peter Cook, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Wolf D. Prix. The work and thinking they provided are entirely inspirational, most of their works today are not only architecture pieces but culture icons. What is behind all of those significant figures are the courage, the energy and exploring spirit they all have.
This project is Frank’s exploration of city future after he visited more than 50 contemporary cities in China. More than a conventional design, it is more like an expression of the strong dissatisfaction and criticism of the contemporary cities which are homogeneous and lack of spirit.
