UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 09 SEPTEMBER
An alumna who is now an award-winning Architect with her own company is changing the face of public spaces across China.
Li Xiang graduated in Architecture in 2009 and is now based in Shanghai, China. In recent years, she has enjoyed success with her own company, X+Living, establishing herself firmly as a leading figure in her industry.
From restaurants and schools to hotels, offices and retail spaces, Li's company is behind some of China's most iconic spaces, including Zhongshuge Bookstore, known as China's most beautiful bookstore.
Li said: "After graduating, I returned to China and founded X+Living in 2011. Initially, the company was solely focused on architectural design, but a year later, we stumbled into interior design by chance.
"We designed Zhongshuge Bookstore and gradually expanded into retail, hospitality, offices, spaces for parents and children, and many more areas, creating a series of commercial space designs.
Li shares that the design period for the bookstore was around three weeks, and her inspiration came from astronomy, as Zhongshuge is located in Huai'an, which is a city criss-crossed by rivers and lakes. As many architectural spaces have a connection to water, Li wanted to do something different.
"During my extensive research, I found that the local area has a history of astronomical exploration, as well as the Xuyi Astronomical Observatory. So, I expanded the idea of water into the sky.
"The combination of the two, led me to create an astronomical instrument in the city's streets, giving people a stunning surprise."
Li is keen for her designs to serve as an emotional outlet for people that will enable them to escape from reality. It's important to her that they feel the stories told by the space, experience the spiritual essence of the surreal immersive space, and have a "fantastic, relaxing time ".
She said: "Of course, we also have to serve the client and meet their business demands. Based on this, we do everything we can from the design perspective to help our client to create a space that enhances their brand's influence and attracts the target audience."
Li's ability to create art through structural design has solidified her reputation as a leading figure in her chosen industry.
She said: "Every project is a collaboration and also an opportunity to leave a mark on this world, as well as to create a surprise for those who may enter these spaces in the future."
Li often takes inspiration from the world around her and her creative process, from concept to design, takes a large amount of research and planning.
She said: "Our design process is very much like conducting an experiment. Team members perform their duties and collaborate to create results based on rational logic that generate imaginative ideas.
"We conduct market research and utilise years of experience in commercial design to customise aesthetics and make them distinct."
Li is also working towards a more sustainable industry.
She said: "Our practice is paperless and embraces technology. Through modelling, animation and 3D printing, we aim to be environmentally friendly. We find that by embracing tech, we reduce errors in the implementation process. We are also exploring AI technology to help complete the preliminary concept and layout.
"I always urge the team to constantly pay attention to industry-related tech trends, broaden their horizons and to stay up to date.
"I also focus on the spiritual connection between individuals and the world, as I believe this empathy and compassion will enable me to consider and create the experiences of others."
The alumna perceives her designs not just from an architect's perspective, but also how the public may see or engage with her spaces, from Meland Club Beijing, New Century Magic Hotel and YooYumi Kids Club Lidu Store.
She said: "Many years of creation have taught me that not only do I bring change to projects, but they shape me in return, and then feed into my future designs.
"I cherish this process, new colours, structures, and even mistakes prepare us for the next improved design.
Many of Li's designs have also won several awards, including the Global Special Prize Interior Award from Prix Versailles, which is only given if the candidate has achieved a ‘World's Most Beautiful' status.
Li's proudest project to date is the Meland Club flagship store in Beijing, which is an amusement park with a mechanical animal concept that celebrates animal conservation.
Whilst Li has become a major success within her field, her love of architecture was built during her time studying at BCU.
She said: "I decided to study Architecture when I was in high school, and BCU is internationally renowned for Architecture courses, so it naturally became one of choices when applying.
"My time at BCU taught me not only professional knowledge, but also a multi-dimensional way of thinking beyond design itself, which has always benefited me.
"The study tour organised by the school enabled me to visit many famous places, including Germany, which had a strong emotional impact on me. To see the Crematorium Baumschulenweg, and experience calm and restraint crafted from materials, was fascinating.
"I still remember the sunlight pouring through the pillars, like a halo guiding to the divine place –it was pure beauty. That was the first time I deeply felt the power of spatial construction, and it made me consider what kind of aesthetic experience and feeling that design could bring to its users."
Although Li encountered challenges whilst trying to enter the industry after university, she never gave up on her dream. Not long after graduation, she took the decision to start her own business.
"Starting a design agency from scratch, as well as the business pressures and the crossover from Architecture to Interior Design, was hard work. It made me question whether I had abandoned my long-held architect's ideals.
"The projects gradually came through one by one, and after getting positive feedback from the market and recognition from clients, I found that the mindset of being an Architect provided me with a broader perspective in Interior Design and higher-dimensional thinking."
Li's favourite part of owning her own company is having the passion and responsibility to show the world the talents and creativity that is often underrepresented in China.
She said: "The proudest achievement is the honour of letting more people around the world recognise the works of Chinese designers.
"For a long time, the abilities of Chinese designers have been underestimated internationally. Through winning awards in authoritative design competitions and the coverage of our work in overseas media, the world has come to know that Chinese designers can also be very creative.
"I am proud to have made my own contribution to this change."