Practicing at the ground ▏在地即修行

Designing a place for the staff to use for the Yulin Grottoes is something we dare to think about before receiving this design. Because of the world treasures such as Mogao Grottoes and Yulin Grottoes, we are more awe and admiring, and have never dared to make changes in such sacred places. However, because of this case, we once again set foot on this land, and once again got to know the geography, humanities, art, and the staff rooted here in a more intimate way, we have another feeling, and this kind of feeling is no longer the art work itself, but the respect for the local staff. Because the location of the Yulin Grotto is actually not suitable for normal human habitation, the air is extremely dry, and it is hot in summer and cold in winter, and the temperature difference is extremely great. But for the purpose of protection and research, they had to stay here for a long time. Both life and work were handed over to Yulin Grottoes. So, we decided, we must do something for them. Although the space we designed is only a small piece of idle space in the Yulin Grottoes, we still hope that such a space can bring them peace and relaxation.

This is a very small and shaped space next to the staff canteen. Originally it was only a gray area left over from the construction of the building. The entire building space covers an area of about 30 square meters, and the height of the building is nearly six meters. The three-dimensional space also presents a versatile variation funnel shape. Ventilation and lighting have also been greatly affected by the construction itself. This undoubtedly brought a lot of resistance to the design thinking.

The design thinking of this project is completely different from the previous design experience. It does not take care of communication or visual experience as much as commercial space; it is not like the private space, only considers its practicality, or the aesthetics of some people. It is both integrated and independent. But such thinking is extremely interesting throughout the process. So, we analyzed the project from several levels.

First of all, as an integral part of the Yulin Grottoes, it will inevitably have much to do with the humanities and geography of the Yulin Grottoes and even Guazhou; then, according to the unique conditions of the building itself, and the unique caves of the Yulin Grottoes. We built the original layer of space into two layers of space. At the same time, combined with its funnel-shaped architectural space form, under the premise of not occupying the underlying use area, a layer of public space is added, so that the original use area has nearly doubled. Because of this design, the whole space forms a form of mountainous terrain that is connected by the stairway, and this form is just like the actual appearance of the Yulin Grottoes. From the material point of view, we have fully considered the actual construction conditions and regional impressions of the local area. Therefore, we have blended the most common local soil and paint to form a new cheap material for the entire space. This not only effectively reduces the construction cost, but also makes the whole space and the Yulin Grottoes have no symbiosis.

Finally, think about it from a spiritual level. What kind of meaning will such a space give? What kind of thinking will we bring to our designers? In fact, this is the question we should think about when we are doing such a public welfare project. “Practicing at the ground” is a definition that we have summarized after we have deeply understood the local workers. Ancient supporters, monks practiced here and built caves. Today, there are scholars and volunteers who carry forward the protection of the Yulin Grotto culture. Although the nature has changed a lot, we believe that the same is the belief of oneself. It is this belief that allows them to persist in the long-term roots here and even to dedicate their own lives. And this is the most valuable spirit. 

Therefore, we hope to instill the concept of "practicing at the ground" in addition to its spatial form, which is not only the overall appearance of the Yulin Grottoes; in the process of entering the space, the form of low and then open It is also a form of architecture to pay tribute to the Buddhist temple. The overall atmosphere is to create a calm and soothing state. This is not only due to the creation of the overall color, the relationship between light and space is also an effective means, and is the most important means. External light shines through the hollow of the skylight into the room and wanders over time, creating interesting changes. 

The interior lighting is also very elaborate. We don't even use a spotlight in the big environment. All the lights are combined with the architectural form, and naturally grow out like a skylight in the crack. At the same time, the fire generated by the fireplace creates a subtle relationship and fusion with the entire space. The flaming light and shadows are big and small, and the flashing red map creates a dialogue with the icy walls. This is more like breathing in the building space, giving the practitioners vitality and hope.

Project location: Yulin Cavern, Guazhou county, Jiuquan, Gansu province

甘肃省酒泉市瓜州县榆林石窟

Project owner: Dunhuang Research Institute of Yulin Grottoes Cultural Relics Protection Institute

敦煌研究院榆林窟文物保护研究所

Sponsors: Red Star Macalline &First Financial Public Welfare Foundation

红星美凯龙 & 第一财经公益基金会

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