A Monument Without Words: The Cui Suba Yi Cultural Visitor Centre

Preserving Tradition and Creating a Ritualistic Atmosphere

The inspiration for this design stems from the mythical alpine grassland that was once the hereditary settlement of the ancient Yi people. Their traditions were deeply rooted in worship and rituals to the mountains, creating a life world full of symbolism and ceremony. The architects sought to recreate this spirit of place by establishing a multi-layered link between ancient Yi culture and modern functionality.

The volume of the building itself resembles a traditional Yi altar, a sacred structure in their culture. Through a system of skylights, the center establishes a dialogue with the sky, creating a wordless monument that exudes an atmosphere of ritualistic place. The designers aimed to create a space that transcends language and communicates the essence of the Yi culture through symbolism and architectural form.

What sets the Cui Suba Yi Cultural Visitor Centre apart is its integration of the ritual structure of the Yi community with contemporary functionality. The spatial model is based on the fusion of the ancient Yi ritual system with a parallel functional system, creating a cohesive and harmonious design. The use of local sandstone and stained glass, combined with the rough concrete workmanship of the old Yi wooden houses, further enhances the authenticity and uniqueness of the center.

With a completion date set for March 2021, the Cui Suba Yi Cultural Visitor Centre covers a site area of 1,565 square meters and has a building area of 2,569 square meters spread across three floors. The center is not only a testament to the architectural prowess of Haobo Wei and Jingsong Xie but also a celebration of the Yi community's rich cultural heritage.

Construction of the center began in October 2018 and is expected to be fully operational by May 2021. Located in the Cuisuba Grassland of Guizhou, China, the center is strategically positioned to contribute to local tourism while preserving and honoring the traditions of the Yi people.

The Cui Suba Yi Cultural Visitor Centre is a prime example of how architecture can serve as a bridge between the past and the present. By fusing the ancient mythology and ritualistic nature of the Yi people with modern tourism functions, this center not only creates a space for the local community but also establishes a connection with the collective memory of the Yi people.

This remarkable design has garnered recognition and accolades, including the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the design, which authentically captures the spirit of the Yi culture and contributes to the improvement of quality of life.