Reviving Lingnan Culture: A Living Interior Design

Designers Xiaowei Liu and Linying Jiang's Innovative Approach to Art Exhibition Spaces

The Panyu district has played a significant role in shaping and cultivating the Lingnan culture, a unique tradition that has influenced generations of local Chinese. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in this traditional culture, with a lack of art exhibitions in the community. The designers of this project aimed to address this issue by creating a space that encourages interaction and engagement with the local culture.

The innovative aspect of this project is its 'living' interior design. The designers' experiences were divided into separate pictures, which were then assembled into a physical structure within the art space. The building arches are built in different sizes, accommodating individuals of differing ages and genders, so that each individual will have distinctive visual and sensual perceptions. The stage and arches can be utilised to display different exhibits or used as seating areas. The designers hope that visitors are able to feel and engage within the space, and subsequently become a part of the arts.

The art space was built in a local arts centre founded by the president of a local cultural creative industry association. The design of the art space focused on three main elements: open space, minimalism, and unique building materials. Most of the building materials used in this project are sustainable and full of local characteristics, such as old red bricks, cement, wood, etc. The designers collaborated with a contractor, who is a local art graduate and is familiar with design and the local culture. Through discussions about the use of materials and structures, this project was successfully completed within a limited budget.

The project started in November 2021 and was completed in January 2022. The designers conducted extensive research on the Lingnan culture and Panyu city, talking to local residents and documenting their lives in the city. This research informed the design process, resulting in a space that truly reflects the local culture and encourages engagement with it.

This project has been recognised for its innovative approach to design, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2022. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The award is a testament to the designers' commitment to creating a space that not only showcases art but also encourages interaction and engagement with the local culture.