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Tianmianshang Pavilion: Redefining Spatial Boundaries and Public Engagement in Rural China

The Tianmianshang Pavilion, created by Jintao Li and a collaborative team from the Art Institute School of Xiaoyan, stands as a testament to innovative architectural thought and educational practice. Completed in Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, this project challenges conventional distinctions between floor, ceiling, interior, and exterior, resulting in a dynamic public space that invites users to explore and reinterpret their environment. The pavilion is strategically situated behind an orange grove, offering a tranquil retreat where visitors can disconnect from urban life and immerse themselves in nature.

Inspired by the symbolic significance of the "floor" as a site of action and congregation, and the "roof" as a sheltering envelope, the design intentionally blurs these elements. The undulating floor and roof/ceiling, paired with a unique arrangement of walls and columns, create threshold spaces that resist easy categorization. This ambiguity encourages organic interactions and fosters a sense of discovery, as users navigate the interplay between open and enclosed areas. The pavilion's structure employs concrete columns and irregularly arranged walls to enhance stability while introducing spatial complexity, and a lightweight steel roof that visually elevates the building, reinforcing its unity with the natural surroundings.

The realization of Tianmianshang was not without challenges. As a collaborative effort among students and tutors, the project demanded intensive communication, coordination, and creative problem-solving. The result is a pavilion that not only exemplifies best practices in modern architecture but also serves as a living laboratory for rethinking educational and design paradigms. Recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award 2025, the pavilion is celebrated for its technical ingenuity, creative vision, and its contribution to enhancing the quality of public space in rural China.

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