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The Ethereal Island
The Ethereal Island
The Ethereal Island
TYPE
TYPE
Architecture
Architecture
YEAR
YEAR
2022
2022
TOOLS
TOOLS
Rhino, V-Ray, Enscape
Rhino, V-Ray, Enscape
ABOUT
ABOUT
This is my undergraduate graduation project.
When confronted with the theme of "Possibly the Everyday of Remembering the Departed," I was in my hometown, Wenzhou. It was during this time that certain changes in my family made me face the weighty topic of life and death for the first time.
Seizing this opportunity, I chose a unique site in my hometown to explore the potential of architecture as a sanctuary for the soul. I believe that space possesses an inherent power of independent creation. In the interaction between architecture and people, it should continuously inspire reflection and imagination, becoming a vessel for spiritual solace.
This is my undergraduate graduation project.
When confronted with the theme of "Possibly the Everyday of Remembering the Departed," I was in my hometown, Wenzhou. It was during this time that certain changes in my family made me face the weighty topic of life and death for the first time.
Seizing this opportunity, I chose a unique site in my hometown to explore the potential of architecture as a sanctuary for the soul. I believe that space possesses an inherent power of independent creation. In the interaction between architecture and people, it should continuously inspire reflection and imagination, becoming a vessel for spiritual solace.
See full video: https://youtu.be/jyi2gcg4-Ow
See full video: https://youtu.be/jyi2gcg4-Ow
WENZHOU, ZHEJIANG, CHINA
WENZHOU, ZHEJIANG, CHINA
Emotions toward the departed are often deeply buried within our hearts, and the island serves as a tangible manifestation of these feelings. This formed my initial intention—the idea that people's emotions break free from the clamor of the city, converging into this island as a symbolic sanctuary for the soul.
Emotions toward the departed are often deeply buried within our hearts, and the island serves as a tangible manifestation of these feelings. This formed my initial intention—the idea that people's emotions break free from the clamor of the city, converging into this island as a symbolic sanctuary for the soul.
Based on this, I ultimately chose Jiangxin Islet in Wenzhou, Zhejiang as the site for my project. Over thousands of years, with the cycle of day and night and the accumulation of silt, a river islet measuring approximately 3,000 meters in length from east to west, 300 meters in width from north to south, and covering an area of about 70,000 square meters gradually took shape. With its picturesque scenery, the island has long been known as "瓯江蓬莱."
Based on this, I ultimately chose Jiangxin Islet in Wenzhou, Zhejiang as the site for my project. Over thousands of years, with the cycle of day and night and the accumulation of silt, a river islet measuring approximately 3,000 meters in length from east to west, 300 meters in width from north to south, and covering an area of about 70,000 square meters gradually took shape. With its picturesque scenery, the island has long been known as "瓯江蓬莱."
A unique feature of Jiangxin Islet is its lake within the island, which remains hidden upon arrival and only reveals itself after passing through a wooded area. This sudden openness left a strong impression on me during my first visit.
I want to extend this experience, unfolding like a shanshui painting and blending with nature. The design follows a hierarchical approach: first, aligning with historical landmarks to set the axis; then, integrating humbly with the island; and finally, shaping spaces to fit different themes.
A unique feature of Jiangxin Islet is its lake within the island, which remains hidden upon arrival and only reveals itself after passing through a wooded area. This sudden openness left a strong impression on me during my first visit.
I want to extend this experience, unfolding like a shanshui painting and blending with nature. The design follows a hierarchical approach: first, aligning with historical landmarks to set the axis; then, integrating humbly with the island; and finally, shaping spaces to fit different themes.
1
In the Shanshui Poetry Forum, a multifunctional gathering space, people sit facing the water screen, participating in ritualized collective activities to process grief. The space also hosts regular memorial ceremonies and life education events. Behind the water screen, blurred silhouettes pass through—perhaps evoking memories of someone dear to you.
1
In the Shanshui Poetry Forum, a multifunctional gathering space, people sit facing the water screen, participating in ritualized collective activities to process grief. The space also hosts regular memorial ceremonies and life education events. Behind the water screen, blurred silhouettes pass through—perhaps evoking memories of someone dear to you.
Gaps appear repeatedly throughout the architecture, serving as spatial transitions. Narrow passages create a sense of emotional restraint, building anticipation for the next exhibition hall. Within these gaps, glimpses of the returning circulation path can also be seen.
Gaps appear repeatedly throughout the architecture, serving as spatial transitions. Narrow passages create a sense of emotional restraint, building anticipation for the next exhibition hall. Within these gaps, glimpses of the returning circulation path can also be seen.
2
Moving forward, the Buddhist Culture Hall unfolds like a cave, preserving ancient relics. As visitors ascend, the exhibition reveals Buddhist perspectives on life and death. At the highest point, a grand open space offers a panoramic view beyond the island, inviting reflection on the city and the past.
2
Moving forward, the Buddhist Culture Hall unfolds like a cave, preserving ancient relics. As visitors ascend, the exhibition reveals Buddhist perspectives on life and death. At the highest point, a grand open space offers a panoramic view beyond the island, inviting reflection on the city and the past.
3
Descending along the spiraling ramp, passing through another gap and a resting hall, one arrives at the Meditation Hall—a tranquil space facing nature. With a light and airy presence, it primarily features porcelain exhibits. A horizontal window frames the view, naturally inviting visitors to sit. The marble floor seems to extend toward the distant water, creating a silent dialogue between the observer and the gently flowing river.
3
Descending along the spiraling ramp, passing through another gap and a resting hall, one arrives at the Meditation Hall—a tranquil space facing nature. With a light and airy presence, it primarily features porcelain exhibits. A horizontal window frames the view, naturally inviting visitors to sit. The marble floor seems to extend toward the distant water, creating a silent dialogue between the observer and the gently flowing river.
After a moment of stillness, visitors leave, suddenly finding themselves back at the entrance hall, with their gaze naturally drawn toward the next exhibition space. Passing through another gap, they arrive at the final tower.
After a moment of stillness, visitors leave, suddenly finding themselves back at the entrance hall, with their gaze naturally drawn toward the next exhibition space. Passing through another gap, they arrive at the final tower.
4
Through a narrow vertical window, one encounters the ancient pagoda from a unique perspective. The exaggerated height of the space feels like a hollow monument, evoking a profound and pure sense of awe. Pausing here for a moment, looking up at the sky, one’s thoughts seem to drift upward, dissolving into the tower’s fading form—marking the farewell to this journey.
4
Through a narrow vertical window, one encounters the ancient pagoda from a unique perspective. The exaggerated height of the space feels like a hollow monument, evoking a profound and pure sense of awe. Pausing here for a moment, looking up at the sky, one’s thoughts seem to drift upward, dissolving into the tower’s fading form—marking the farewell to this journey.
End
I believe that in today's world, the most valuable and irreplaceable aspect of architecture is the experience it creates for people. Therefore, exploring the interaction between space and human emotions through the most fundamental elements and vocabulary of architecture becomes especially important. Compared to other undergraduate projects, this thesis feels more like a reflection on the essence of architecture, deepening my understanding of the field.
End
I believe that in today's world, the most valuable and irreplaceable aspect of architecture is the experience it creates for people. Therefore, exploring the interaction between space and human emotions through the most fundamental elements and vocabulary of architecture becomes especially important. Compared to other undergraduate projects, this thesis feels more like a reflection on the essence of architecture, deepening my understanding of the field.
CREATOR
CREATOR
Renwei Fang
Renwei Fang
FULL VIDEO
FULL VIDEO
https://youtu.be/jyi2gcg4-Ow
https://youtu.be/jyi2gcg4-Ow
CONTACT
CONTACT
fang847855604@gmail.com
fang847855604@gmail.com
More works
More works
CREATOR
Renwei Fang
CONTACT
fang847855604@gmail.com
