Zheng He Blends Contemporary Aesthetics with Heritage Conservation in her Designs

Currently, I focus on the creation and practice of three areas: cultural preservation, landscape design, and jewelry design with natural elements. In landscape and cultural heritage preservation, I focus on how to protect and revitalise historical sites through eco-design and landscape means, so that they not only have cultural value, but also adapt to the needs of modern cities, and try to enhance the connection between human and nature and history by activating public space.

In addition, I have founded my own jewelry brand, focusing on jewelry design with natural materials, combining oriental aesthetics with modern craftsmanship to give each piece a unique cultural connotation. Drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese culture and natural landscapes, I imbue jewelry with storytelling and spirituality. Whether it is landscape design or jewelry creation, my core philosophy is always to pass on historical memories in design, balance nature and humanity, and let the works carry emotional and cultural values.

For me, “good” design is not only visually appealing but also responds to people's emotions and needs. Specifically, it should be able to resonate with the natural environment, cultural context, and historical heritage of the surroundings; achieve the lowest possible level of intervention, respecting and presenting the essence of nature; and convey deep emotions and stories.

I have been focusing on how to continue the historical memory of a site in a modern urban environment while enhancing the ecological and social functions of the space. So, in this design, I first analysed the cultural background and ecological characteristics of the site and thought about how to tell its story through the language of landscape. For example, I referenced historical sites, traditional crafts, and aesthetic elements and transformed them into part of the contemporary design.

At the same time, I also utilise green infrastructure, sustainable materials, and ecological restoration techniques to ensure that the design is not only a visual legacy, but also has positive impacts on an environmental and social level.

My inspiration comes from the spatial atmosphere of the Jiangnan water town. I wanted to create a light, natural space with a strong sense of growth, where architecture and landscape merge, blurring the boundaries between the artificial and the natural so that people can immerse themselves in it and feel the resonance between history and nature.

Therefore, this award-winning design is not only a landscape form, but also a carrier of culture, ecology, and community vitality. I hope it can become a bridge between people and the environment, history and the future, and give new life to the space.

I believe that my country and its cultural heritage have a profound impact on my design process. Especially in architecture and landscape design, it is reflected in my respect and inheritance of traditional craftsmanship and art forms. Whether it is the use of local materials or incorporating traditional symbols and aesthetics into my designs, I strive to show respect for traditional culture.

In addition, traditional Chinese philosophies, such as "unity of heaven and humanity" and "wu wei" (non-action), also guide me to focus on the harmonious relationship between humans and nature in my designs. I believe that design is not just about meeting functional needs; it is also a reflection of cultural heritage, respect for history and the environment, and a continuation of these values.

Overall, the cultural background of China, especially the traditional landscapes and historical heritage of Jiangnan, has not only had a profound influence on my design perspective but also inspired me to place greater emphasis on conveying humanistic care and environmental responsibility in my designs.

During the design process, I faced several major challenges, especially when dealing with the balance between cultural heritage preservation and modern needs. I wanted to design the site in such a way that visitors would not only experience the history of the Grand Canal through sightseeing but also have a deeper understanding of the value of this cultural heritage through interactive experiences.

How to design interactive spaces without destroying the historical atmosphere of the site tested my design thinking. Finally, I came up with the idea of introducing interactive educational elements into the design, such as themed play areas, exhibitions, and interactive installations to allow visitors of all ages to participate and understand the history of the canal.

At the same time, the design focuses on the choice of materials and forms, so that the modern design language and the historical and cultural background can coexist harmoniously.

1. Creativity and expression.

2. Impact on society and the environment.

3. Interdisciplinary integration and exploration.

The core of my design that distinguishes it from other works in the same category is cultural narrative, ecological integration, and poetic expression. I focus on preserving the historical memory of the place, making the space a carrier of cultural inheritance, and at the same time combining with the concept of sustainability to create a symbiotic environment between human and nature, such as the innovative attempt at underwater eco-burial.

In addition, I pursue the lightness and fluidity of design, allowing light and shadow, material, and space to grow naturally, so that the work is not only functional, but also carries emotional temperature and cultural value.

In the next 5-10 years, the design industry will evolve towards greater intelligence, sustainability, and interdisciplinary integration. Artificial intelligence and digital technology will play a deeper role in the design process, enhancing efficiency and expanding creative possibilities.

Sustainable design will become the mainstream, with more projects emphasising ecological restoration, low-carbon materials, and circular economy principles. At the same time, design will focus more on human-centred approaches, and interdisciplinary collaboration will drive innovation. From architecture and landscape to product and interaction design, traditional boundaries will be broken, creating more adaptive and inclusive design solutions.

To improve skills in the design industry, I recommend reading more books, practicing more, and engaging in more communication. You can read classic books like "Design of Design" and "The Eternal Way of Architecture", and learn professional software such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, and Adobe Suite to enhance technical expression.

Utilise platforms like Harvard GSD, MIT Open Courseware, and Coursera to study cutting-edge courses, and stay inspired by following sources like Arch Daily and Dezeen. At the same time, actively participate in design competitions and industry forums, exchanging ideas with excellent designers to constantly expand your vision.

Although I am a landscape architect with a degree in Preservation Design, I also have a deep passion for jewelry design. In 2024, I founded a jewelry brand AuraAcceptance©︎ to create one-of-a-kind wearable miniature landscape bracelets using natural elements—particularly natural crystals—as a medium.

I showcased my work at the 2025 Maison&Objet exhibition in Paris, receiving press coverage both nationally and internationally. Through jewelry design, I aim to continue my design philosophy of blending nature and art, imbuing each piece with its unique meaning and energy.

In my life, the people who love me and those I love to have given me profound inspiration. Each of our existences is, in some sense, connected to the lives and hearts of others. When we deeply care for each other, we not only leave an imprint on one another's lives but also plant seeds of hope and warmth in some corner of the world.

This inspiration has taught me that both in design and life, it's not just about living for oneself, but about contributing to a larger world. I hope that in my designs, I can convey this deep love and sense of responsibility, bringing beauty and reflection to more people, and allowing them to feel the power of love and the possibility of change.

Success is not just about achievements and recognition; it is about staying true to one's principles and having a deep care for the world. Independent thinking is the principle I adhere to, and not being swayed by the opinions of society is my most sincere requirement of myself.

On the path of design, we may seem stubborn, but it is this stubbornness that gives us the strength to face the various challenges of the world. My advice is to not lose yourself in the noise of the outside world but to always listen to your inner voice because true design comes from inner belief. It has the power to illuminate others and change the world.