Xingcheng Exhibition Garden by Archermit: A Poetic Interpretation of Western Sichuan Gardens

The Xingcheng Exhibition Garden, designed by Archermit, is a masterful reinterpretation of the Western Sichuan garden tradition, seamlessly blending cultural symbolism, natural landscapes, and architectural elegance. Rooted in the rich cultural system of Western Sichuan, the garden reflects the profound understanding of nature, humanity, and living spaces that defines this region. Through this design, the architects convey the artistic sensibilities of Chengdu’s inhabitants and their concept of “poetic dwelling.”

Architecture as a Scenic Feature

The garden follows the garden-first design principle, where architecture becomes an integral part of the scenic landscape rather than a standalone structure. The main building emerges as a light, transparent, and elegant centerpiece, accentuating the surrounding natural environment. Traditional landscape elements of Western Sichuan gardens, such as bamboo forests and lotus ponds, are thoughtfully incorporated to establish a harmonious and visually poetic setting.

The Lotus Leaf Pavilion, Symbolism and Form

The exhibition hall, inspired by the lotus leaf, sits delicately above a reflective pool. Bamboo clusters beneath spread outward, with their vertical poles echoing the veins of the lotus leaf above. The pavilion’s curved roof draws inspiration from Western Sichuan folk houses, reflecting their sloping roofs, long eaves, and delicate green tiles, but expressed in a contemporary, abstract form.

To heighten its dramatic and romantic character, the center of the lotus leaf roof is hollowed, transforming it into a large-scale rainwater collector. This design element not only responds to the Expo theme but also serves as a functional art installation, blending environmental consciousness with aesthetic innovation.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Experience

The exhibition hall’s sunken floor, recessed by 0.6 meters, allows visitors to experience a subtle shift in perspective. From seated positions, the water level of the pond aligns with the viewer’s line of sight, merging sky and water into a continuous reflective surface. Inside and outside spaces are intertwined, with forests, fields, and water features integrated throughout the pavilion. This thoughtful layout encourages visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural and cultural landscape of Western Sichuan.

Bamboo, A Cultural and Material Exploration

Since 2018, Archermit has conducted extensive research on bamboo architecture and its cultural significance. Initially planned as a hybrid bamboo structure combining laminated and raw bamboo, practical considerations led to a steel framework complemented by raw bamboo decorations. Despite this adaptation, the pavilion maintains the essence of bamboo’s lightness, flexibility, and symbolic resonance in Chinese culture.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Western Sichuan gardens often carry deep spiritual and commemorative meanings beyond their leisure and aesthetic functions. The Bamboo Lotus Pavilion serves not only as an exhibition space but also as a medium to convey cultural symbolism. Visitors are invited to reflect on the interconnectedness of nature, art, and human experience, awakening a shared cultural sensibility unique to Chinese heritage.

All photographs are works of  Arch-Exist Photography