Interviews with Ilsa Yumeng Li

Excited and empowered.

Born in a musical family and having trained in folk dance by the national 3-rd intangible cultural heritage inheritor from a young age, I've grasped how music can convey profound messages and evoke a sense of the ineffable, and how dance reveals the power of dynamics, interaction, and visual intensity. These have infused my design style and continue to inspire me.

As we expand the scope and reach of our design studio, our next steps involve developing the departments within the studio and partnering with scholars such as design school lecturers and art museum collaborators. Together, we are set to establish a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural innovation design. This initiative will focus on introducing and emphasizing new concepts and the significance of integrating design with culture and technology.

Think out of the box, stay humble, and be inclusive. Sometimes, new approaches can tackle challenges and lead to interuptive innovation. So, avoid creating pseudo-problems or fabricating needs just for the sake of design.

In most cases, simple personal time management is indeed insufficient when it comes to a design team or studio. Design management frameworks and project progression models could work for transforming interdisciplinary collaboration and cohesive team efforts into significant time-saving advantages, avoiding the pitfalls of poor planning and inadequate communication.

Cross-disciplinary cooperation can evidently enhance the effectiveness of design projects and be helpful for shifting focus to gain a fresh perspective for objective evaluation and to facilitate the transition to the next stages of communication and handover. However, success requires balancing autonomy within teams. The real distinction between ego and empathy lies in focusing on genuine user insights, rather than relying on extensive, detached questionnaires.

Some designs pioneer and establish trends, while others respond and develop existing trends, all contingent on the initial objectives of the project. For my part, I am more inclined to investigate and identify new needs, alongside novel materials and design solutions that address these requirements.

A good design addresses real-world issues, fulfills societal demands, and advances the frontiers of innovation. It not only solves practical problems but also allows for imagination and evolution, ultimately benefiting humanity.

Tadao Ando and Ross Lovegrove, who exemplify the dynamic interplay between design and nature, highlighting how design can transform the natural environment and, conversely, how natural elements can influence design principles.

Fostering mutual growth; focusing on how altruism is ultimately mutually beneficial; being passionate while keeping a long-term, objective perspective.

Creating a lively and vibrant design community.

The design focuses on creating an inclusive, tactile meditation experience that supports mental well-being. The goal was to provide a modern, accessible way to explore Zen culture, suitable for individual reflection and community creativity.

Plans include expanding its applications in art therapy, corporate wellness, and public installations. There is potential to enhance the design with technological integration, while continuing collaborations with partners to promote mindful living.

Development spanned from December 2021 to July 2022, evolving through research, prototyping, and refinement to meet accessibility and sustainability goals.

Born out of the pandemic's challenges, the design aimed to alleviate quarantine anxiety and digital fatigue. It was self-initiated to explore the therapeutic potential of tactile and modular engagement.

Meta Zen is designed for mass production using biodegradable materials. Future plans include exploring licensing, collaborations with wellness centers, and potentially producing it independently.

The tactile playset reimagines the Zen garden for modern times, inspired by the calming rituals of arranging natural materials and Taoist geometry. The aim was to bring a hands-on, meditative approach to contemporary wellness.

The design incorporates Zen and Daoist aesthetics, while modern computational design tools influenced its parametric modularity. Feedback from diverse users also shaped its accessibility features.

Adults seeking stress relief, mindfulness practitioners, visually impaired individuals, elders, and communities interested in collaborative creative expressions.

Unlike traditional Zen gardens, Meta Zen's modularity, magnetic assembly, and scalability make it accessible, sustainable, and adaptable to various settings, offering infinite creative possibilities.

"Meta Zen" reflects its aim to transcend traditional Zen garden practices, merging tactile play with meditation to create a modern, transformative experience.

Computational design software for parametric modeling, 3D printing for prototyping, and traditional craftsmanship to refine tactile elements.

“Modular Zen”: The patented ridge-and-valley geometry, which allows users to create dynamic, ever-changing Zen patterns, embodies the philosophy of impermanence.

Collaborations included accessibility experts, material scientists, and designers specializing in parametric modeling and modular systems.

Technology enabled precision in magnetic assembly and modular design. Computational tools ensured geometric harmony and versatility.

Research into quarantine anxiety and tactile therapy guided the design, emphasizing non-digital stress relief and sensory engagement.

Balancing accessibility with aesthetics, ensuring modular scalability, and achieving sustainable production posed significant challenges.

Recognition by international competitions was pursued to validate the design’s innovative approach to modern mindfulness and encourage wider adoption.

The process deepened my understanding of inclusive design and the potential of modularity in creating meaningful, transformative user experiences.

Meta Zen exemplifies the harmony between tradition and innovation, offering a tactile, meditative tool that adapts to contemporary needs while honoring ancient wisdom. It’s a step toward redefining mindfulness in modern life. If you are interested in Meta Zen or “Cyber” Meta Zen—our project's related artistic concepts, including exploring new development modes such as a public art version, please feel free to reach out to me for project collaboration opportunities!

The primary focus is to properly inherit and promote Huizhou cultural heritage, with Hui-style residentials serving as a focal point that embodies both the tangible and intangible heritages of habitats and construction techniques.
By including unique visual and experiential elements in the book design, we hope to engage a larger audience to appreciate and comprehend the exterior visuals and extraordinary interior structural logic of this endangered architectural legacy.

We aim to attract a broader range of worldwide educational institutions and museums, through appreciation for Hui-style structures to improve public knowledge and conservation efforts for Hui cultural heritage, boosting cultural diversity and innovation.
We also picture extending efforts in digital heritage beyond just book medium. We are exploring the incorporation of Extended Reality(AR/MR) technologies to create immersive experiences with data that further bring Hui cultural heritage to life. To make the rich history and architecture of the Hui region more accessible and engaging to global audiences through interactive and innovative design platforms.

It takes about 10 months. The project finished in Oct 2023 and was exhibited in the Bengbu Museum, visual art departments of local colleges, etc.

Recently, professors at local institutions introduced this book to students in Huizhou about their cultural roots, fostering a strong sense of community identification and continuity. The book has also been featured in mediator-led museum exhibitions and rare book collections at university libraries and college art departments.

My profound appreciation for the rich cultural and historical significance of Hui-style architecture inspired the book's design and style. It serves as a tribute to this unique architectural style, aiming to encapsulate its aesthetic and structural essence.

This book is for a broad audience interested in Hui culture and architecture. The book offers precise Hui-style residential details for museum educators and academic scholars who major in art, archaeology, cultural studies, and history related to Asian humanities. Simultaneously, it serves enthusiasts and visitors of all ages who are keen to learn about Chinese cultural and architectural heritage, as well as the traditional building techniques of the Hui style.

Our design stands out through its unique construction, utilizing transparent acetate pages combined with matte paper to form in-depth "windows" that can be seen through from cover to back. These allow for a natural transformation from 2D views to a 3D panorama of Hui-style architecture when pages are layered.
Furthermore, the use of half-page sulfuric acid paper booklets smartly segments chapters without obstructing the view through the acetate, maintaining the tactile feel of the paper and easing the transition between sections. Enhanced visual contrasts, such as tailored color schemes for cultural landscapes and silhouette inversions, alongside specific architectural motifs related to Huizhou's misty climate, amplify the visual effects.

The name "Hui House" not only encapsulates the immersive experience of the human activities reflected in these traditional Hui residential clusters but also embodies the educational purpose of preserving the intangible heritage of Hui-style construction techniques. Additionally, the name phonetically resembles the word for "gathering together," symbolizing the union of family, which is a central theme in the grand familial residences of Huizhou. This title highlights the importance of family in Huizhou culture and underscores the urgent need to preserve this ancient, fading heritage from disappearing into the mists of Huangshan and collective memory.

The most unique aspect of this design is its integration of physical and visual interactivity: through the use of HBIM-scanned architectural analysis and specialized printing techniques, depth-layered illustrations on acetate fiber paper transform flat pages into a rich, three-dimensional experience.
This allows readers to explore Hui-style architecture in a manner that is not limited by geographic location or the physical completeness of the structures. Each reader can navigate through the book according to their own interests, constructing personal narratives and gaining a clear understanding of the architectural structure, spatial relationships, and cultural context without following a predetermined storyline or path typically required in digital or physical tours.
This self-directed exploration enriches the reader's experience, offering multiple perspectives and a deeper appreciation of the architectural and cultural heritage.

This project involved collaboration with masters in Hui-style architecture, particularly the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage in traditional residential construction techniques and woodcarving, stone carving, and brick carving. Besides, we worked closely with scholars specializing in ancient Chinese architecture, local historians who were the editors of regional chronicles, and printing experts. Each team member brought valuable technical expertise and deep knowledge from their respective fields.

Technology is critical for producing new designs and accurate spatial intricacies of Hui-style buildings using structural analysis and other data. It allows us to share this historic cultural treasure in an instructive style that readers may explore at their own pace.

Yes, extensive architectural research and on-site surveys are the cornerstone of the project's success, which included digital heritage methodologies such as Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM). The depth-layered images were properly sliced from the models, allowing for the dynamic study of architectural features and spatial relationships, providing a more authentic cultural experience.

One of the most difficult tasks was converting the complex notion of Hui-style building into a physical and exhibitive educational tool that is comprehensive yet attractive. This requires original design and precise execution, resulting in an interactive and unique experience throughout every page-turning.

The decision was motivated by a desire to gain international recognition for Hui architectural heritage and to showcase the potential of design as a medium for cultural preservation.

This project deepened my understanding of cultural preservation challenges and enhanced my skills to merge digital heritage concepts with contemporary design practices, enriching new mediums of natural and cultural heritage conservation.

I would like to highlight the broader cultural and educational impact of this project, which goes beyond mere architectural appreciation to fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and history.
I hope you've enjoyed exploring my work and found it insightful! More related topics and in-depth research about Hui culture will be updated by the non-profit organization: iHui ( the International Association of Hui Art & Studies) at http://www.ihui.org/.

The primary focus is to properly inherit and promote Huizhou cultural heritage, with Hui-style residentials serving as a focal point that embodies both the tangible and intangible heritages of habitats and construction techniques.
By including unique visual and experiential elements in the book design, we hope to engage a larger audience to appreciate and comprehend the exterior visuals and extraordinary interior structural logic of this endangered architectural legacy.

We aim to attract a broader range of worldwide educational institutions and museums, through appreciation for Hui-style structures to improve public knowledge and conservation efforts for Hui cultural heritage, boosting cultural diversity and innovation.
Recently, professors at local institutions introduced this book to students in Huizhou about their cultural roots, fostering a strong sense of community identification and continuity. The book has also been featured in mediator-led museum exhibitions and rare book collections at university libraries and college art departments.

My profound appreciation for the rich cultural and historical significance of Hui-style architecture inspired the book's design and style. It serves as a tribute to this unique architectural style, aiming to encapsulate its aesthetic and structural essence.

This book is for a broad audience interested in Hui culture and architecture. The book offers precise Hui-style residential details for museum educators and academic scholars who major in art, archaeology, cultural studies, and history related to Asian humanities. Simultaneously, it serves enthusiasts and visitors of all ages who are keen to learn about Chinese cultural and architectural heritage, as well as the traditional building techniques of the Hui style.

Our design stands out through its unique construction, utilizing transparent acetate pages combined with matte paper to form in-depth "windows" that can be seen through from cover to back. These allow for a natural transformation from 2D views to a 3D panorama of Hui-style architecture when pages are layered.
Furthermore, the use of half-page sulfuric acid paper booklets smartly segments chapters without obstructing the view through the acetate, maintaining the tactile feel of the paper and easing the transition between sections. Enhanced visual contrasts, such as tailored color schemes for cultural landscapes and silhouette inversions, alongside specific architectural motifs related to Huizhou's misty climate, amplify the visual effects.

The name "Hui House" not only encapsulates the immersive experience of the human activities reflected in these traditional Hui residential clusters but also embodies the educational purpose of preserving the intangible heritage of Hui-style construction techniques. Additionally, the name phonetically resembles the word for "gathering together," symbolizing the union of family, which is a central theme in the grand familial residences of Huizhou. This title highlights the importance of family in Huizhou culture and underscores the urgent need to preserve this ancient, fading heritage from disappearing into the mists of Huangshan and collective memory.

The most unique aspect is its integration of physical and visual interactivity: depth-layered illustrations on acetate fiber paper transform flat pages into a three-dimensional experience, which allows readers to explore Hui-style architectural details and spatial relationships in a new way, experiencing the spatial aesthetics from multiple angles and depths.

This project involved collaboration with masters in Hui-style architecture, particularly the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage in traditional residential construction techniques and woodcarving, stone carving, and brick carving. Besides, we worked closely with scholars specializing in ancient Chinese architecture, local historians who were the editors of regional chronicles, and printing experts. Each team member brought valuable technical expertise and deep knowledge from their respective fields.

Technology is critical for producing new designs and accurate spatial intricacies of Hui-style buildings using structural analysis and other data. It allows us to share this historic cultural treasure in an instructive style that readers may explore at their own pace.

Yes, extensive architectural research and on-site surveys are the cornerstone of the project's success, which included digital heritage methodologies such as Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM). The depth-layered images were properly sliced from the models, allowing for the dynamic study of architectural features and spatial relationships, providing a more authentic cultural experience.

One of the most difficult tasks was converting the complex notion of Hui-style building into a physical and exhibitive educational tool that is comprehensive yet attractive. This requires original design and precise execution, resulting in an interactive and unique experience throughout every page-turning.

The decision was motivated by a desire to gain international recognition for Hui architectural heritage and to showcase the potential of design as a medium for cultural preservation.

This project deepened my understanding of cultural preservation challenges and enhanced my skills to merge digital heritage concepts with contemporary design practices, enriching new mediums of natural and cultural heritage conservation.

I would like to highlight the broader cultural and educational impact of this project, which goes beyond mere architectural appreciation to fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and history.
I hope you've enjoyed exploring my work and found it insightful! More related topics and in-depth research about Hui culture will be updated by the non-profit organization: iHui ( the International Association of Hui Art & Studies) at http://www.ihui.org/.

Projects that challenge the status quo and introduce new paradigms of user interaction.

Think out of the box, stay humble, and be inclusive. Sometimes, new approaches can tackle challenges and lead to interruptive innovation. So, avoid creating pseudo-problems or fabricating needs just for the sake of design.
In most cases, simple personal time management is indeed insufficient when it comes to a design team or studio. Design management frameworks and project progression models could work for transforming interdisciplinary collaboration and cohesive team efforts into significant time-saving advantages, avoiding the pitfalls of poor planning and inadequate communication.
Cross-disciplinary cooperation can evidently enhance the effectiveness of design projects and be helpful for shifting focus to gain a fresh perspective for objective evaluation and to facilitate the transition to the next stages of communication and handover. However, success requires balancing autonomy within teams. The real distinction between ego and empathy lies in focusing on genuine user insights, rather than relying on extensive, detached questionnaires.

Solve real-world problems, meet societal needs, push the boundaries of innovation.
Investing in good design means investing in the future, addressing real-world problems and leaving enough opportunity for imagination and evolution that benefit humanity.

Fostering mutual growth: focusing on how altruism is ultimately mutually beneficial; Being passionate while keeping a long-term, objective perspective.

Ross Lovegrove, Charles and Ray Eames, Tadao Ando.

There was never any doubt that I would become a designer.
But in addition to this, I would highly possible to consider a slash career with other identities as an artist and digital media director in near future.
My current projects involve leveraging AR/VR technologies to enhance digital heritage experiences, and looking ahead, I am excited about the potential for far future cross-disciplinary collaborations implies mediums for design, such as film and music.

Design is a philosophy that permeates any life aspect; it involves systematic innovation in behavioral experiences; It's an art that speaks without words; It's a methodology for self-cultivation.

Storytelling.

As we expand the scope and reach of our design studio, our next steps involve developing the departments within the studio and partnering with scholars such as design school lecturers and art museum collaborators. Together, we are set to establish a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural innovation design. This initiative will focus on introducing and emphasizing new concepts and the significance of integrating design with culture and technology.

Ensure the design solution is sustainable both socially and environmentally, with a focus on long-term impacts.

We are set to curate a touring exhibition about the origins of Chinese pigments: “Hui Ink Sticks” collaborated with multiple museums and galleries after the A’design winning project “Hui House” as the same Hui series. I am mainly responsible for the interactive, visual communication, and experiential design aspects of the art and culture domains of the “Hui Ink” exhibition.

The design field is evolving towards more sustainable and ethical due to cultural innovation and technological advancements.
The future of design will focus on cultural inclusion and creating solutions that benefit humanity.

It depends on the kinds, user groups, and scope of the designed objects.
Most collaborative projects also vary from one month to several years.

Born in a musical family and having trained in folk dance by the national 3-rd intangible cultural heritage inheritor from a young age, I've grasped how music can convey profound messages and evoke a sense of the ineffable, and how dance reveals the power of dynamics, interaction, and visual intensity. These have infused my design style and continue to inspire me.

If you're interested in discussing design, sharing ideas, and cooperating intention, feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn or email.

At PEAR & MULBERRY, we are dedicated to pioneering humanity-centered design. Our studio focuses on developing health and therapeutic products that merge cutting-edge technology with intuitive design principles. Each project is an opportunity to enhance well-being through innovative solutions that are empathetic and inclusive.

Design is a philosophy that permeates any life aspect; it involves systematic innovation in behavioral experiences; It's an art that speaks without words; It's a methodology for self-cultivation.

Projects that challenge the status quo and introduce new paradigms of user interaction.

Bio-design that incorporates the geometry of life, symbiosis, biomimicry, and plant intelligence.

The first project I designed for a company was in Beijing, where I created fashion tech accessories for a celebrity photo shoot that was a collaboration between fashion buyer brands and magazines. The pieces included 3D printed elements and incorporated soft robotics, as well as pneumatic and magnetic mechanisms.

Algae-based materials which can be 3D printed and are inherently biodegradable.

Creativity flows freely and can come at any time.

It depends on the stage of the design. In the initial stages, my priority is concept validation, ensuring that the initial concepts properly address user pain points and leave enough opportunity for imagination and evolution for the clients, users, and our team.

Excited and empowered.

When my designs are realized, the immediate response involves taking a break or shifting focus to gain a fresh perspective for objective evaluation. This helps transition to the next stages of communication and handover. Honestly, I don’t often consider my emotions during this time; it’s more about ensuring the project's smooth continuation.

Creativity, social needs, humanity-centered.

Design Concept Validation.

Ensure the design solution is sustainable both socially and environmentally, with a focus on long-term impacts.

The design field is evolving towards more sustainable and ethical due to cultural innovation and technological advancements.
The future of design will focus on cultural inclusion and creating solutions that benefit humanity.

My most recent display featured 'Hui House,' an architectural exhibit Book from the Hui series that received accolades including two recent A'design Awards. It was part of a Huizhou culture-themed exhibit at a national first-tier art museum in China. Over the following two years, we are set to curate a touring exhibition in the same Hui series themed 'Hui Ink Sticks,' which is the origins of Chinese pigments.

My design inspiration comes from various sources such as music, dance, and nature…

Born in a musical family and having studied folk dance from a young age, I've grasped how music can convey profound messages and evoke a sense of the ineffable, and how dance reveals the power of dynamics, interaction, and visual intensity. These have infused my design style.

Fostering mutual growth; focusing on how altruism is ultimately mutually beneficial; being passionate while keeping a long-term, objective perspective.

This ties back to my previous point: the relationship is about mutual selection and partnership. Professionalism, sincerity, and a flexible, passionate mind will ensure a win-win situation for both sides.

The design process is not a straight line but a spiral that ascends. Throughout the process, it's crucial to maintain flexible thinking and resilience to strike a balance between sense and sensibility.

Floral arrangements featuring naturally designed plants that capture math art like the Fibonacci sequence, fractals, and the Mandelbrot set.
Tea ceremony, Design books and handmade book sculptures, and my coffee bar.

Every day brims with new discoveries and boundless imagination.

Keep an open mind, stay humble, and be inclusive. Sometimes, new approaches can tackle old challenges and lead to tremendous success unexpectedly. So, avoid creating pseudo-problems or fabricating needs just for the sake of design.

As a designer committed to innovation and tackling long-standing problems, you will discover that each challenge and triumph improves your experience and capabilities to effect societal change.

The real distinction between ego and empathy lies in focusing on genuine user insights instead of relying on extensive detached questionnaires.

Beyond basic design expertise, the ability to present compelling demos through storytelling is increasingly important.

Design Thinking, Cross-disciplinary vision, Out-of-box observation.

Indeed, in most cases, simple personal time management is insufficient when it comes to a design team or studio. Design management frameworks and project progression models could work for transforming interdisciplinary collaboration and cohesive team efforts into significant time-saving advantages, avoiding the pitfalls of poor planning and inadequate communication.

It depends on the kinds, user groups, and the scope of the designed object.
Most collaborative projects also vary from one month to several years.

How to coordinate interdisciplinary collaborations for turning designs into finals?

Every stage of my professional journey, grounded in design engineering and science, has been instrumental in shaping me into the design leader I am today.

Our client portfolio spans various sectors, including luxury automotive brands in the accessories, interior seating, and HMI departments, athleisure fashion sectors, high-end cosmetic brands focused on manufacturing and packaging innovations, as well as national and local museums with a focus on art and installations.
For PEAR & MULBERRY, the studio I co-founded, all of our clients are highly esteemed and crucial to our work. Recently, we've finalized several brand collaboration projects that are scheduled to hit the market soon, but due to confidentiality agreements, I cannot disclose specific brands or product details at this time.

I enjoy design work that benefits the community and has the potential to change people's lives. For example, designs that reflect and preserve cultural heritage, such as those that help save endangered cultures, or designs for children, like therapeutic shoes that provide mechanical support to prevent bone diseases at certain developmental stages.

As we expand the scope and reach of our design studio, our next steps involve developing the departments within the studio and partnering with scholars such as design school lecturers and art museum collaborators. Together, we are set to establish a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting cultural innovation design. This initiative will focus on introducing and emphasizing new concepts and the significance of integrating design with culture and technology.

Both! I enjoy the process of my own exploration, and I am also very happy to work with some energetic innovators or pioneers in a team. Even when working independently, I often exchange ideas with forward-thinking professionals across fields. The sparks of inspiration between each other can lead to new breakthroughs.

Yes, I am currently working on a touring exhibition about the origins of Chinese pigments:” Hui Ink Sticks” collaborated with multiple museums and galleries after the A’design winning project ” Hui House” as a series. I am mainly responsible for the interactive, visual communication, and experiential design aspects of the art and culture domains of the “Hui Ink” exhibition.

Linkedin or email ilsali.idea@gmail.com

Thanks for your time! Stay tuned for our next projects by following https://www.pear-mulberry.com/

Combining the precision of Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) with an engaging visual format was a foundational challenge. Our task was to transform raw 3D scans into accessible, layered illustrations that stay true to the architectural origins of Hui structures, preserving details from wood carvings to spatial relationships. We crafted a unique “window channel” effect, creating a tranquil, miniature Hui residence veiled in mist with layered acetate printing, while large-scale matte art papers unveil more detailed documentary elements—such as craftsmanship, furniture, structural components, and spatial functions. Each layer printing, from artistic paper to embedded acetate, is thoughtfully coordinated to stand alone yet align as a cohesive visual journey, where each acetate sheet complements the corresponding matte layer in flow and density. By balancing accuracy with visual appeal, we achieved an artistic representation that maintains historical fidelity while drawing readers into the layered beauty of Hui architecture.

Choosing acetate fiber papers and specialized printing techniques was key to creating the book’s immersive experience. I experimented with various materials to achieve a subtle, almost ethereal transparency that could echo the atmospheric depth of Hui architecture. Acetate fiber allowed us to present layered scenes where transparency gives way to shadowed recesses, just like the courtyards of Hui houses. Silk-screen and UV printing techniques added high-definition detail without compromising this delicate layering. This combination achieves a harmonious balance, bringing the architectural precision and sensory experience of Hui homes to life with every turn of the page.

The Hui House Architectural Exhibition Book seamlessly combines archival documentation with interactive storytelling, designed to ensure its place as a collector’s edition and a versatile educational tool. This format allows the book to serve a wide range of purposes—introducing Hui architecture to children, enthusiasts, and scholars alike, while also functioning as an accessible catalog for libraries, architectural firms, museums, and shared spaces. Its layered design and "window channel" effect invite readers at various stages of interest or expertise to explore and appreciate Hui architecture in a way that evolves over time. For a young reader or beginner, the tactile appeal of layered pages and immersive spatial design sparks curiosity and engagement. As readers grow or deepen their knowledge, the book’s printed details—such as material textures, construction components, and architectural insights invite more focused study. This format turns heritage from a static record into a dynamic experience, encouraging readers to approach architecture as a journey of both emotion and discovery. In a world where heritage can feel distant or intangible, this collectible book serves as a curated stage, offering a multi-layered, immersive approach that redefines how we connect with and preserve cultural legacies.

Hui architecture is inherently a cultural synthesis of Central Plains civilization with ancient Yue culture, and the historical blend guided our emphasis on axial symmetry and sectional layering in both visual and structural elements, aligning naturally with the architectural forms shaped by these cultural influences—minimalistic yet distinctive. I wanted readers to feel how each architectural feature, whether the courtyards, lofts, or intricate carvings, embodies this fusion of cultural heritage.

The idea of layering “windows” within the book was inspired by the architectural discovery process within a Hui residence. Walking through these homes is an invitation to look deeper, to pause, and to find connections between open and enclosed spaces. I wanted readers to experience that same sense of unfolding as they move through the book. Each layer offers a self-paced journey, allowing readers to explore spatial relationships from different vantage points and appreciate the intricate details that define Hui architecture. This approach makes the act of “reading” the book as engaging as a real architectural tour.

Our collaboration with the International Association of Hui Art & Studies and subsequent exhibitions at HuiZhou Museum and Bengbu Museum validated the educational potential of the Hui House Architectural Exhibition Book in a profound way. These exhibitions endorsed the book as a valuable tool in raising awareness for Hui architectural heritage. By engaging museum visitors—especially children and students—the book extends beyond a simple visual guide to become a hands-on, exploratory medium that fosters curiosity and appreciation for this cultural legacy. This partnership has amplified our reach, encouraging more inclusive cultural preservation efforts and inspiring future educational initiatives.

Achieving architectural precision while crafting an engaging narrative demanded a carefully orchestrated use of Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM). Using 3D scanning, we meticulously captured every detail of historic Hui structures—original proportions, textures, and spatial relationships—to create accurate digital reconstructions. This process allowed us to authentically layer architectural elements, maintaining fidelity to the dimensions and spatial flow that define Hui-style design. Integrating these precise models into the book’s design enables readers to experience Hui architecture in an intricate, three-dimensional form. Each layered, translucent page brings to life the enchanting spatial depth, intricate wood and stone carvings, and culturally rich layout unique to Hui homes. Through the tactile, stacked-paper effect, we transformed the static into immersive, achieving a dynamic balance between historical accuracy and a visually captivating journey into Hui heritage.

I hope that the Hui House Architectural Exhibition Book resonates with or inspires more designers and cultural organizations to explore diverse methods of documentation, particularly when it comes to preserving and presenting endangered traditions through a modern, innovative lens. Capturing and sharing these legacies is challenging but profoundly meaningful, as every effort contributes to the safeguarding of cultural heritage. By demonstrating how immersive design can convey historical details and cultural narratives, this project aims to foster broader participation in heritage preservation. Through the combination of innovative techniques and technology with traditional architectural themes, I hope it can encourage similar preservation initiatives across the globe.

This recognition enhances its potential to reach new audiences and institutions committed to cultural preservation. The award validates our efforts and encourages continued innovation in promoting Hui architecture, helping us to further our mission of safeguarding and sharing this unique cultural heritage.

Inspired by Zen’s guiding principles—Kanso (simplicity), Yugen (subtle profundity), and Seijaku (tranquility)—we envisioned Meta Zen as a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern precision. By incorporating parametric design, we allowed for infinite variations within a simple module, creating an ever-evolving, organic landscape that embodies Zen’s profound subtlety. This fusion allows users to experience meditation as an evolving practice, with each interaction revealing new forms and spaces for reflection.

Our research underscored that tactile engagement activates senses often dulled by digital interactions. Meta Zen was developed as an antidote to digital fatigue—a hands-on, tangible escape that encourages mindful play. Designed for adults under the pressures of remote work and urban isolation, Meta Zen offers a pathway to balance and inner calm, transforming idle moments into immersive meditation and giving users a tactile retreat in the midst of daily stress.

Scalability is an essential element of Meta-Zen’s design philosophy. Each module is meticulously crafted as a standalone unit that seamlessly integrates with others, forming a fluid Zen space where the minimalist motifs of Zen can be expressed across various compositions and dimensions. The intentional negative space between upper modules enhances the sense of balance and tranquility, creating dynamic patterns adaptable to any scale—whether as a small tabletop piece or a full wall installation. This modularity ensures visual harmony and coherence, allowing users to organically expand their Zen environment. This adaptability not only reinforces the aesthetic appeal of Zen but also ensures Meta-Zen’s versatility in diverse settings, from personal spaces to larger public installations.

The combination of biodegradable PLA with natural bamboo and algae fibers in Meta Zen reflects a profound commitment to a sensory experience rooted in nature. The fine texture of bamboo and the organic hues of algae infuse each module with a warm, natural touch, free from the artificial rigidity or scent of synthetic materials. This choice aligns with Zen principles of simplicity and subtle grace, creating a tactile experience that feels like a direct connection with nature itself. Each interaction invites users into a purer, more serene meditative state, enhancing the essence of returning to simplicity in mindfulness.

The ridge and valley system in Meta Zen was carefully developed to embody the principles of Zen and Daoism, creating a harmonious flow in every configuration. Each module's surface is inspired by the natural patterns found in sand, wind, and water, capturing the essence of flow that Daoism celebrates as the balance between elements in nature. The system uses simple geometric forms—drawing on the concept of “Circle-Square-Triangle” as fundamental shapes representing universal elements—to build complex, interlocking patterns that reflect Zen’s profound simplicity.This modular approach allows for infinite combinations, where each arrangement becomes a unique landscape of valleys and peaks, inviting users to experience the beauty of impermanence and mindfulness through tactile interaction. The textures and alignment guide users intuitively, with the mirrored and rotational symmetry ensuring that even random assembly achieves a continuous, organic form. This approach not only emphasizes Zen’s value of subtle profundity (“Yugen”) but also integrates the Zen origin—Daoist philosophy of effortless flow, making Meta Zen both a meditation tool and a piece of art in motion.The development process was rooted in translating these philosophies into a tangible, interactive form. Through iterative design and the application of computational geometry, we crafted a tactile system where the act of rearrangement itself becomes a mindful practice, resonating with the Zen concept of living in the present. Each piece reflects a deliberate balance between texture, structure, and alignment, embodying a new paradigm for both meditation and art therapy by merging spiritual aesthetics with modern design innovation.

Meta Zen reimagines meditation as both a personal journey and a shared experience. Unlike traditional Zen gardens, which require skilled, labor-intensive arrangements using fixed materials like sand and plants, Meta-Zen’s modular and contemporary design is portable, versatile, and easy to reconfigure. The modular design of Meta Zen ensures that each unit, with its mirrored and rotational symmetry, forms a seamless, flowing landscape of valleys and peaks. This geometry creates captivating top-down patterns that echo natural formations and offer a continuous, organic flow when viewed from above. From a side perspective, the modules rise and fall like a tranquil mountain range, inviting users to endlessly rebuild and expand their arrangements. As a result, Meta Zen becomes a flexible medium for social meditation, adapting effortlessly to modern settings and enabling mindfulness to develop organically as a shared, evolving process. It suits beginners exploring Zen culture while also preserving a minimalist Zen essence and universal design that aligns with contemporary aesthetics.

Simplexity—the creation of infinite possibilities through simplicity—is the guiding design principle of Meta Zen. Each identical module serves as a small universe with the potential for countless arrangements, allowing users to build complex, varied layouts without adding unnecessary intricacy. Users can carefully craft structures or embrace spontaneous combinations, trusting in the natural flow to create new outcomes each time. This design embodies Zen’s philosophy of profound simplicity, enabling users to discover creative depth within minimalism. The experience is therefore both intuitive and endlessly rich, revealing an ever-deepening connection between form, mindfulness, and the art of letting go.

Meta Zen has the potential to redefine how we engage with mindfulness in a fast-paced, urbanized world. Its dual role as a meditation tool and an interactive design piece allows it to infuse various settings with a sense of calm. As interactive design advances, we envision Meta Zen becoming a staple in public spaces, corporate wellness initiatives, and especially in art therapy environments—a growing field that recognizes the therapeutic power of tactile, creative expression. Imagine it as a modular installation in community spaces, where individuals can contribute to an ever-evolving collective landscape, or in therapeutic settings where its touch-based, reconfigurable design becomes a soothing, meditative outlet. Meta Zen bridges personal mindfulness with communal connection, offering a new way to experience meditation that nurtures both individual well-being and social harmony.

In designing Meta Zen, we uncovered the dynamic relationship between individual expression and collective creation. Each user can approach Meta Zen as a personal meditative journey, shaping unique configurations that reflect their own style and mindfulness. However, when users come together, these individual designs merge into something unexpectedly greater—a collaborative landscape that embodies co-creation. This process highlights how mindfulness can be both deeply personal and strikingly communal, as individuals contribute their own touches to a shared, evolving structure. Much like social networks where individual actions lead to impactful group outcomes, Meta Zen invites users to experience the beauty of scale: from small, personal reflections to the expansive, harmonious results of collective engagement. This shift in perspective—from individual meditation to a larger, interconnected vision—creates a unique blend of inner peace and shared innovation, redefining mindfulness as an experience enriched by both introspection and connection.

The “window channel” design was inspired by the core principles of Hui architecture itself—balance and integration with the natural surroundings. By transforming 2D illustrations into 3D scenes, this storytelling method invites readers to experience the interconnected spaces of Hui houses in a tactile way. These “windows” introduce the notion of perspective, depth, and spatial continuity, echoing the symbiosis between Hui buildings and the surrounding landscape. This design element enhances the reader's understanding by simulating the architectural flow and spatial rhythm, making it a visceral journey through a typical Hui residential environment.

Researching the fusion of southern lofted structures and northern courtyard layouts helped me frame the artbook’s narrative, allowing for a visual representation that honors both structural components. The architectural storytelling gradually introduces readers to the axial symmetry and sectional design, mirroring the way a visitor would experience these elements in real life. This approach emphasizes the unique juxtaposition in Hui design, merging openness with containment, which became a visual metaphor for the cultural synthesis that defines Hui architecture.

Collaborating with the International Association of Hui Art Studies was instrumental in grounding the project in authenticity and extending its cultural reach. This partnership provided access to specialized knowledge about Hui construction techniques and cultural context, allowing the artbook to go beyond visuals and convey the architectural philosophy of Hui structures. Their support enriched the project, both in content accuracy and in reaching audiences that value cultural preservation, giving the artbook a role in the broader advocacy for Hui architectural heritage.

The choice of artistic texture paper and acetate paper was deliberate, each material chosen to evoke the atmosphere of Hui-style architecture. Acetate, in particular, represents the gradual spatial unfolding characteristic of Hui dwellings, evoking the fog-laden atmosphere of the Hui region. This combination gives readers a tangible sense of Hui architecture’s material qualities and historical resonance, enhancing sensory engagement with each turn of the page.

The layered page design creates natural pauses, encouraging readers to explore the architecture and appreciate each spatial relationship as they move forward. This experience mirrors the sense of discovery one might feel while wandering through a Hui residence, with its intricate and inviting layout. By revealing architectural details in stages, this design element not only preserves but also makes Hui construction techniques engaging and memorable, fostering a deeper appreciation for these traditional methods.

Balancing documentation with emotional engagement was a primary challenge. By combining precise architectural details with a narrative that captures the cultural symbolism of Hui architecture, I aimed to elicit an emotional response that would resonate with readers beyond aesthetics. The interactive aspects, tactile elements, and visual storytelling rooted in cultural traditions and folklore insights come together to create an experience that evokes the legacy of Hui heritage, aiming to inspire readers to consider the value and fragility of such cultural treasures.

The exhibitions at HuiZhou Museum and Bengbu Museum have played a critical role in endorsing Hui architectural heritage, providing a professional and accurate validation of its cultural and educational significance. This recognition certifies the artbook as an effective tool for educating children, architecture enthusiasts, and those with an interest in Hui and ancient architectural traditions. Looking ahead, we aim to enhance the exhibition’s reach and appeal by focusing on its artistic qualities and universal themes, considering how best to communicate these characteristics to a broader audience. This next phase involves exploring ways to expand the artbook’s influence, making Hui architecture accessible to a wider international community, helping it serve as both an educational tool and a call to action for preserving Hui architectural heritage, fostering an understanding that will hopefully inspire further conservation efforts.

I envision the Hui House Artbook as a model for preserving other vanishing architectural traditions. By highlighting the value of experiential, visually dynamic documentation, I hope this approach will encourage similar preservation efforts for other cultural heritages facing neglect. Ideally, it will inspire initiatives that blend traditional heritage with innovative design, creating accessible yet impactful educational tools for cultural conservation.

The butterfly binding and half-frame wire binding insert serve to elevate the reader’s tactile experience, aligning with the book’s narrative on Hui architecture’s structural continuity. This binding choice allows the book to open widely and maintain flat, uninterrupted views across pages, reinforcing the immersive quality. It supports the journey through Hui architectural space, where readers can easily switch perspectives, simulating a spatial exploration similar to moving through connected rooms within a Hui residence. This interaction further cements the cultural and architectural integrity of the Hui style within the reader’s experience.