Architecture of the Mind: Buddhist Pagodas of the Liao
Embodied Architecture pursues a new way of telling the master narrative of Chinese architectural history. The project centers upon a question: what is the logic and language of design that fundamentally informs Chinese architecture? The first series of Embodied Architecture, Architecture of the Mind: Buddhist Pagodas of the Liao, focuses on the monumental pagodas of the Liao dynasty (916–1125). As we explore the mental blueprints of Chinese Buddhist architecture, we consider space, sculpture, and painting as an organic, interrelated structure. Bringing together architectural history and art history, we unpack the ideas of body, cosmology, and ritual that are embodied by the monuments.
Based on in-depth research and cutting-edge digital technology, this project manifests in two theatrical forms—an immersive exhibition and an online theater—that invite modern visitors to step into the space, culture, and imagination of Chinese architecture.
With photogrammetry, digital modeling, CG animation, 3D printing and mixed reality, the project unveils the concept of Architecture of the Mind by creating a multi-sensorial digital theater of cultural heritage. Combining new media and technology with contemporary artistic expression, Architecture of the Mind unveils the imaginary universe embodied by Buddhist monuments, as well as a spiritual journey that explores ascension and transcendence.
| DIRECTORS | Eugene Wang, Chenchen Lu |
| PROJECT LEADS | Jiajian Min, Anna Borou Yu |
| ACADEMIC CONSULTANTS | Chang Liu, Nan Wang, Zhuonan Wang, Hui Fang, Zhongming Tang, Huizhong Bin, Aibin Yan, Jie Zhu, Suhyoung Sung, Yangxing Huang, Bo Sun, Yao Ding, Qin Zhang |
| ADMINISTRATION | Lorna Desiree Campos |
| RESEARCH | Chenchen Lu, Icey Lin, April Peng, Sophie Lei |
| VISUAL ART | Curry Sicong Tian, Jinjun Zhu, Xiaoyan Li, Yetong Xin, Haofan Liu, Tong Wu, Yujia Chen |
| 3D DESIGN | Jiajian Min, Sébastien Labrunie, Daoru Wang, Biru Cao, Seph Li, Wenbo Xiang, Ruijia Zhang |
| SOUND DESIGN | Jie Zhu, Chenchen Lu |
| EXHIBITION DESIGN | Jiajian Min, Anna Borou Yu, Yingxuan Ma, Chunfeng Yang, Yangsun Lim, Seph Li, Yutong Jiang, Biru Cao, Wenbo Xiang, Xinru Liu, Paul Zhou |
| EXHIBITION MANAGEMENT | Jiajian Min, Simone Levine |
| PUBLIC PROGRAM | Alina Yijia Yang, Elaine Yilin Huang, Simone Levine, Sabrina Chen, Julia Qingye Wang |
| TECHNICAL CONSULTANT | Jeff Grantz, Shaoyu Su, Jake Xi Wang, Dan Beedy, Ben Vandonkelaar, Wenhua Shi |
| COLLABORATIVE INSTITUTION | Tsinghua University, School of Architecture Inner Mongolia University of Technology, School of Architecture |
| SPECIAL THANKS | Beijing Normal University | Art and Media College Institution of The Preservation of Ancient Architecture and Murals, Shanxi Province, China Museum of Architecture, Shanxi Province, China Shandong University | School of History and Culture Tianjin University | School of Architecture Chongqing University | School of Architecture Shenzhen Museum |
