Xi'an's Urban Tapestry: "Memories of the East Street" Unveiled

Qun Song and Qi Dong's Book Captures City's Heartbeat

The bustling East Street of Xi'an, a city with a storied past, serves as the muse for the book "Memories of the East Street in Xi'an: Images, Words and Narratives." This publication is not merely a book; it is a time capsule that captures the essence of urban life, mapping out the architectural, cultural, and commercial evolution of this historic avenue. Qun Song and Qi Dong's creation is a testament to the enduring spirit of Xi'an, offering readers a personal and folkloric glimpse into the daily lives of its citizens against the backdrop of the city's transformation.

What sets this book apart is its holistic approach to documenting urban history. It is a comprehensive study, featuring hand-drawn illustrations, architectural mappings, and a collage of trademark advertisements, documentary photographs, and newspaper clippings. This collection is a deliberate act of "artistic intervention," aiming to preserve and reconstruct local memories in a tangible form. The designers' commitment to authenticity is evident in the variety of printing techniques employed, each chosen to enhance the reader's sensory experience and connection to the past.

Delving into the technical aspects, the book's production involved intricate printing processes to evoke a sense of nostalgia. The cover, reminiscent of an iron bicycle license plate from the 1980s, is embossed, while silver printing on subsequent covers adds depth to historical advertisements and photographs. The third unit's photographs are treated with a special black embossed silver process, mimicking the texture of silver salt photographs, thereby reinforcing the authenticity of the historical narrative.

The book's structure is meticulously organized into three units and an accompanying leaflet. It begins with interviews that weave individual memories and family stories related to East Street, followed by a unit dedicated to objects that echo the street's former vibrancy. The third unit is a visual anthology of East Street's history, while the fourth presents a gallery of building facades and shop frontages from bygone eras. The dimensions of 187mm x 244mm x 74mm make it a substantial volume, rich in content and design.

As a civic archive, "Memories of the East Street in Xi'an" invites public engagement, encouraging citizens to explore, reflect, and quote from its pages. This interaction is central to the designers' vision, positioning the book as both a scholarly resource and a communal treasure. The project, initiated in Xi'an in December 2020 and launched in December 2022, is the culmination of extensive research, interviews, and collaboration with cultural institutions and volunteers, overcoming the significant challenge of scarce historical documentation.

Recognized with the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in 2024, "Memories of the East Street in Xi'an" is celebrated for its creative excellence and innovation. This accolade acknowledges the book's role in shaping an understanding of urban spaces and the collective memory they hold. As a unique contribution to the study of Chinese cities, it stands as a model for future urban research and a reflective lens through which to view the symbiotic relationship between people and their city.