1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
We are a group of architecture and landscape designers passionate about creating aesthetically pleasing and functionally integrated outdoor spaces. With a background combining architecture and landscape architecture, we explore the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. By blending innovative design techniques with natural elements, we design environments that connect people to nature.
Our team includes Zhimin Ma, who excels at integrating the latest technical tools into design innovation; Yihan Huang, who specialises in crafting seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces; and Siran Chen, a keen observer of everyday beauty who brings a thoughtful approach to design.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
Our team shares a profound passion for nature. Landscape design provides the perfect platform for us to channel our creativity into placemaking. We chose this field to bring our vision of vibrant, sustainable ecosystems to life, creating spaces where both people and nature can flourish.
3What does “design” mean to you?
Design is the bridge between functionality and aesthetics. Outdoor space design is about solving problems and meeting the requirements of clients and governments. Landscape architecture focuses on placemaking and enhancing the beauty of outdoor spaces. We aim to find the right balance between aesthetics and function in every project.
In every project, we see design as a way to tell stories, create harmony, and bridge the gap between nature and structure. It’s our approach to crafting spaces that inspire and elevate the way people experience the world around them.
4What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
We are drawn to designs that merge visual beauty with problem-solving approaches and encourage interaction with living organisms, beyond just humans. This reflects a designer’s love for the world and their efforts to bring the beauty of nature closer to people.
5To you, what makes a “good” design?
A good design meets functional needs while creating meaningful and memorable experiences for its users. It should be sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, innovative, and enhance the well-being of the environment and community.
6How did you come up with the idea for your award-winning design?
We were deeply inspired by the unique geological formations of Cappadocia. Our goal was to design a space that visually absorbs the area’s natural beauty while enhancing visitor experiences and contributing to the preservation of the fragile ecosystem.
7What was your main source of inspiration for this design?
The surreal topography of peribacaları in Cappadocia, shaped by natural erosion and human carving, was a major source of inspiration. We wanted to create a spatial experience that evokes the sensation of exploring the area’s cave dwellings carved into the rocks.
8Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
Absolutely. Being from China, we are deeply influenced by the rich cultural and philosophical traditions, particularly the concepts of balance and harmony in Chinese landscape design. Traditional Chinese gardens emphasise the integration of natural elements like water, rocks, and plants to create tranquil and reflective spaces. We draw from these principles while blending them with modern design techniques to serve local beauty and contemporary needs.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the French Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Winning the French Design Award means a great deal to our team. It validates our passion for creating sustainable, innovative designs and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of landscape architecture. It also serves as recognition of the hard work and creativity we bring to each project.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the French Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Eco-melody is an innovative architecture and landscape design project that implements the latest 3D printing technology. It is our experiment to integrate new construction technology into a massive site design. This project is also a great example of our design philosophy of sustainability, innovation, and environmental consciousness.
11What were the main challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them?
One major challenge was working with the site’s complex grade changes and eroded topography. We invested significant effort in analysing the best locations for residences and indoor functions and planning efficient circulation for visitors and maintenance. Another challenge was integrating the cave-like spatial experience into our architecture and landscape design while fitting contemporary hospitality functions into organic forms.
12How do you think winning this award will impact your future as a designer?
Winning this award opens up opportunities for new collaborations and strengthens our reputation in the industry. It encourages us to continue innovating in landscape design and will likely lead to exciting new projects and further exploration of creative possibilities.
13What are your top three (3) favorite things about the design industry?
1. The ability to blend creativity with problem-solving.
2. The opportunity to positively impact communities and the environment.
3. The uniqueness of each project, makes every design process a new adventure.
14What sets your design apart from others in the same category?
Our design stands out for its innovative approach to balancing the cut and fill on-site by using excavated soil as a building material. Our commitment to ecological responsibility throughout the entire lifecycle of the resort, from design to construction and management, distinguishes us.
15Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, we foresee an increased emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly design solutions as climate change and rising sea levels become more pressing concerns. Additionally, we expect AI to become a powerful tool for designers, enabling more efficient conceptual visualisation and project planning.
16What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to create award-winning designs?
Develop a strong sense of design differentiation and stay attuned to emerging trends. Sustainability and innovation are central themes in environmental design today. Understanding these trends can help inspire unique ideas that capture the attention of professionals and the public alike.
17Who has inspired you in your life and why?
We are inspired by everyone we encounter. Observing how people interact with cities, nature, and the environment we all share provides constant inspiration. Everyday life offers valuable insights that inform our designs.
18What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Always stay curious about nature.
