Passage and Discovery

2019
Dongjingyu, China
with Taro Cai

In Tao Yuanming’s Peach Blossom Spring, a self-sustaining utopia is discovered by passage through a cave. In Donjingyu, we envision a site derived from exploration and discovery, a utopia discovered by passage through the valley of Donjingyu. Built only with site-sourced materials (wood and soil), a series of sites along a single path nestle within topography and existing ruins. They create a progression of enclosures and spaces for discovery.

Enclosures formed within existing ruins and compacted earth platforms create spaces for gathering, installation, and independent exploration. Exhibition sites along the route highlight diverse landscape features such as ancient terraces and scattered boulders. New practices and knowledge are formed on this site through occupation of the a previously abandoned landscape.