The Mirrored Sight Shelter: A Reflection of Cultural Isolation

Li Hao and Nan Xueqian's Innovative Architectural Design in Longli, China

The Mirrored Sight Shelter, situated opposite the old town of Longli, mirrors the town's image, creating a striking contrast between the bustling town life and the tranquil shelter. The shelter serves as a solitary retreat for one person, offering a unique experience distinct from the communal life in the town. This innovative design has sparked energetic interaction between the project and its users, proving its effectiveness and resonance with the local community.

Li Hao and Nan Xueqian designed the shelter to reflect the isolation and tension experienced by the Longli people. The shelter, now a regional landmark, is a place for rest, recreation, and reflection. The two-story structure offers different perspectives, with the upper floor providing an overlook of the scene and the lower floor offering a place for rest. The architects used different materials for the northern and southern facades, creating a unique visual contrast. The shelter's windows frame important local landmarks, further connecting the structure to its cultural context.

The shelter's design and construction utilized local materials and innovative techniques. The northern facade, covered with local bamboo wood, parallels the axis of Longli town, while the southern facade, clad with Pilkington Mirropane (single-transparent glass), parallels the Longxi River. This design choice results in a simple, eastward-narrowing shape that reflects the daily life of Longli and creates a shadow of reality. The use of single-transparent glass allows for an integration of complex mirrored sights, blurring the line between reality and reflection.

The project was completed in October 2016 in Longli, with construction taking only one week and costing a mere 7500 dollars. Despite the time and budget constraints, the architects successfully blended modern design with traditional construction, using locally available materials such as wood and bamboo. The project faced challenges in terms of labor, as most workers in Longli are not professional builders and prefer traditional methods. However, these challenges were overcome, resulting in a unique architectural structure that resonates with the local community.

The Mirrored Sight Shelter is a testament to the power of innovative design in reflecting and addressing cultural realities. It serves as a physical manifestation of the isolation and tension experienced by the Longli community, while also offering a place of rest and reflection. This project, which won the Golden A' Architecture, Building, and Structure Design Award in 2018, is a shining example of the potential of architecture to engage with and reflect upon the complexities of human experience.