Blink, blink,
Street lamps bat their eyes:
So many flickering stars!
High up in the sky,
They resemble street lamps,
Freshly ignited.
In the azure expanse, far above,
There must be a celestial fair
Displaying treasures unknown to Earth.
Yet, the faint Milky Way
Cannot be vast,
Or the Girl Weaver star
Would never cross paths with her Cowherd
Riding along the distant shore.
They must be wandering up there,
Right at this moment,
Roaming the streets of Heaven.
Observe that shooting star:
I'm inclined to think,
It's their lantern,
Gently held in their hands
As they stroll together, side by side.
TIME: 04. 2018
LOCATION: CHONGQING, CHINA
DESIGNER: JIA
TEAM: Chongqing Tourism Planning Bureau
In the mid-19th century, this area became the first electrified site in Chongqing, creating a distinctive night landscape. It was once home to a large community known as the Changjiang Electrician Family Yard. At a time when the rest of Chongqing remained dark at night, this community glowed with thousands of electric lights shining from its flourishing brick buildings, resembling a starry sky. Today, an art installation abstractly recalls the historic imagery of ‘a thousand lights shining in the night’ as a symbolic representation of that once-flourishing community.
The design is crafted to preserve the original wild ecological habitat while transforming the area into a haven for birds. The linear installation respects the natural topography of the urban corners through the implementation of modular landscape columns. Constructed from scaffolding pipes, the modular system allows for flexible placement of templates within the columns, enabling the creation of stairs, exhibition halls, bird nests, and more. This approach forms a dynamic landscape that embodies both ecological preservation and urban development.
BIRDS GALLARY (DAYTIME)
On one side, modular element—including bird nests, exhibition halls, and steps—connect visitors to nature while preserving the original wildlife. The installation supports continuous evolution, with carefully introduced species and a transformed lower wetland creating an ideal habitat, peaking in bird diversity by June. On the opposite side, the Yangtze River Art Square harmonizes with the terrain, featuring an exhibition hall and ring-shaped walkway that offers elevated river views.
On one side, modular element—including bird nests, exhibition halls, and steps—connect visitors to nature while preserving the original wildlife. The installation supports continuous evolution, with carefully introduced species and a transformed lower wetland creating an ideal habitat, peaking in bird diversity by June. On the opposite side, the Yangtze River Art Square harmonizes with the terrain, featuring an exhibition hall and ring-shaped walkway that offers elevated river views.
SKETCH CONCEPT