ANGLES
We would like to explore other architectural typologies, in particular, churches and temples, or concert halls. We look for working methods which trigger resonance among the different types of communities we work with by way of combining place and atmosphere.
What is a material you wish more architects should use?
More than specific materials, we think architects should consider combining the usage of more local materials together with contemporary ones. It is important to explore and discuss chemistry between these two types of materials as their interplay can add more texture and character to spaces.
What do you want to champion or bring to public consciousness about vernacular architecture in China?
We’ d like to heighten appreciation of the singular and context-responsive brand of traditional vernacular architecture that we have in western China; it is a completely poetic tectonic system that marries complicated topography and the social character of its subcultures. It is centered on human relations( social structure), the wild( unorthodox), poetics( moments and scenes that bring back memories) and the geographical relationship between mountains and rivers.
This we interpret into the contemporary setting by emphasizing body perception, dealing with the relationship between man and nature in a formalistic and emotional approach. We are trying to redevelop the essence reflected by these traditional vernacular spaces with the prevailing technical systems while addressing contemporary needs. We hope our end-users feel a connection towards culture and place by experiencing our spaces.
With this team we feel we can achive originality and construction quality for large and medium-sized projects. In this environment, the lead architect can easily communicate and discuss with each and every designer face-to-face.
Is there a typology that you’ ve always wanted to do but haven’ t? Why this in particular?
What do you want your end users to gain from their interaction with your architecture?
We hope the people who experience our architecture can obtain the genius loci of a place, as well as develop a sense of community.
To view more of West-Line Studio ' s contemporized ode to vernacular architecture, visit their website at china-west-line. com
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