Faculty of Design

Environmental Design

Jiachen Li

Oriental Odyssey: Redefining Aesthetics for a Modern Cultural Center in Suzhou

The Suzhou Cultural Center, through its innovative design approach, seeks to bridge the past and the present, East and West, tradition and modernity, while providing a space for community engagement and cultural exchange. By embracing the rich cultural heritage of Suzhou, this project aims to inspire a new era of modern architecture that values diversity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange.

“This project aims to reinterpret traditional oriental aesthetics with a contemporary architectural language to create a modern cultural center that celebrates the unique identity of eastern architecture. Inspired by the cultural heritage of Suzhou, the design approach abstracts the traditional roof concept, focuses on the symmetry of space, and introduces water features into the interior to create a tranquil and harmonious environment. The project seeks to challenge the Western-centric approach to modern architecture by reclaiming the potential of Eastern aesthetics that was once ignored by the mainstream during the process of Western-led modernization. By redefining traditional design elements in a contemporary context, the project creates a democratic and accessible space that reflects the past and embraces the future.”