As foreign designers, we have been deeply impressed by the picturesque and unspoiled terrain of the site, encompassing undulating mountains and a tranquil lake. Our investigation into the Qian Dong Nan Self-Governing State has unveiled a wealth of insight into the profound cultural heritage of the region’s ethnic groups, specifically the Miao and Dong communities.
Architecture Inspired by Local Culture
The allure of their cultural tapestry has prompted our engagement with the Vice President of the Qian Dong Nan Cultural Asset Society, seeking counsel. We firmly assert that the architectural essence of this project must reflect the distinctive traits of the land and its cultural milieu, thus giving rise to the nomenclature "Architecture from the Land."
Book Lodge
The Miao ethnic group reveres the concept of "Mother Butterfly” gave birth to Life as a fundamental tenet of their cultural beliefs.
Book Lodge: Cultural Design & Scenic Views
The architectural design of the Book Lodge in Wanda Danzhai Small Town is characterized by a wing-like roof structure, meticulously crafted to mirror the "Mother Butterfly" theme and precisely aligned in an East-West orientation. This deliberate orientation grants the east wing an expansive, 127-degree vista of the nearby lake, while the west wing cleverly captures the distant "Sea of Flowers."
The incorporation of a mirrored ceiling serves to immerse the interior space in the encompassing natural environment. Additionally, the architectural elements of the Dong ethnic group are thoughtfully integrated into the design. The lodge's facilities encompass a courtyard tailored for celebratory events, thereby honoring the cultural significance of the 3rd, 6th, and 9th days of each lunar month in both Miao and Dong culture.
Visitors Centre
The Dong ethnic group venerates deities in diverse manifestations and holds in high regard three cultural emblems; The Drum Tower, Big Song and the Flower Bridge.
The architecture of the Visitor Center embodies these beliefs by integrating functional spaces with the surrounding landscape and showcasing a roof design resembling mountains and trees.
The elongated structure offers breathtaking vistas of the lake, while the perforated roof design draws inspiration from ancient turtle shells.
The elongated structure offers breathtaking vistas of the lake, while the perforated roof design draws inspiration from ancient turtle shells.
Resort Inspired by Miao Houses
We plan to create a resort that draws inspiration from the architectural style of traditional Miao "legged houses". The envisioned design incorporates a "thousand legs" concept with stacked boxes supported by vertical stilts, which notably characterize this traditional form of architecture.
The interstitial spaces between the stilts will be repurposed into distinctive public areas featuring terraced landscapes. Furthermore, the arrangement of resort rooms will follow a graceful curve to maximize unobstructed views of the surrounding lake.