ALAND: Suzhou’s Legacy Crafted into Modern Form
Interview with Shuting Jiang & Tianyue Wu | Sr. Product Designers Redesigning User Experience
August 6, 2024
Interview with Stephen Melillo from the United States
August 6, 2024
Suzhou Gardens: A Timeless Inspiration
The Wudi culture, with its rich history, has long been a source of inspiration for Suzhou gardens. These gardens, known for their artful design, serenity, and flexibility, demonstrate a remarkable interplay of unique artistic approaches within their compact boundaries. The ever-changing nature of these gardens reflects the importance of one's position in space, sense of belonging, emotional memory, and future imagination in shaping the city's appearance.
Bridging the Past and the Future
In the ALAND project, designers draw from the culture and urban characteristics of Suzhou, establishing a dialogue between history and the future through their design language. By exploring the lifestyle of contemporary urban elites and the relationship between future space aesthetics, the project seeks to redefine the essence of modern living.
A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Breaking free from the constraints of tradition and ideology, the ALAND project introduces the concept and rhythm of Oriental gardens, reorganising and regulating the space to create a harmonious balance between public and private, dynamic and static elements. This approach results in a captivating miniature universe that encourages exploration and discovery.
Elegant Simplicity and Artistic Flair
The hard decoration in the ALAND project exudes an elegant, artistic Oriental temperament through its clean and neat appearance. The transparent and atmospheric overall ambiance, combined with a relaxed spatial rhythm, showcases the modern deductive technique of traditional gardens. This design language captures the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world, gracefully intertwining artistry with everyday living.
A Poetic Interior Space
Soft decoration in the ALAND project draws inspiration from Suzhou's regional culture, enhancing the depth and character of the original space by incorporating contemporary art. By employing the scene-making techniques of Suzhou Gardens, the designers create a residence with classic charm, embodying the concept of "feasible, swimmable, liveable, and promising."
The design concept of "wandering in the garden" is central to the ALAND project, connecting Oriental aesthetics and spiritual core within the poetic interior space. This approach imbues the space with a sense of relaxation, warmth, and comfort, inviting residents to embark on a journey of self-discovery and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds them.
Credits
Entry Title: ALAND
Entrant Company: WSD
Client: YANLORD LAND, Suzhou New District Hi-Tech Industrial Co.,Ltd
Winning Category: Interior Design - Residential
Unwrap a delicious adventure at the Wuxi Chocolate Museum! Journey through China's heritage and the wonders of chocolate in a beautifully designed space. Explore interactive exhibits, playful displays, and a dedicated area for kids – a must-visit for all ages!
