FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Moonlight Huotang: Reviving Dong Culture through Architecture

Designed by William Hailiang Chen and the Creative Prototyping Unit, Moonlight Huotang is the first commission project as part of the Huotang series, specifically tailored for the group of villagers who carry on the Pipa music culture. The unique convex shape of the ceiling enhances the sense of gathering, creating a better acoustic environment, while the entry chamber provides a multifunctional space for various activities.

The Huotang plays a crucial role in the daily life of the Dong community, serving as a gathering place for social, political, and cultural activities. It accommodates up to 25 people and aims to carry on the folk music culture to the next generations, while also showcasing Dong culture to foreign tourists.

Constructed with a stone foundation, brick walls, and straw and clay plaster on the surface, the Huotang features a CNC-cut timber roof structure. The main building is in a 5m diameter circular shape, situated on a plot measuring 6m in width and 8m in depth.

This project is part of a rural culture regeneration initiative, aiming to revive the economy of a county whose young generations have moved to larger urban areas. By integrating specific industrial structures and social projects related to Dong culture and economy, the project aims to boost the tourism industry and establish a better connection to the outside world.

William Hailiang Chen, the principal architect, has a rich background in architectural design and urban regeneration. Graduated from the Architectural Association School, he has worked on prestigious projects in the UK and China, demonstrating a commitment to innovative and culturally sensitive design.

-END-