How do architects and chefs shape a city’s cultural DNA? For Liu Yi, chief architect at the China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute, the answer lies in the creative use of materials – a philosophy he compares to culinary artistry.
Crafting Culture, Brick by Bite
\"Architects and chefs share a common thread: both use materials to tell stories,\" Liu explained, highlighting how seasonal ingredients in cuisine mirror locally sourced building materials. His projects, spanning landmark structures across the Chinese mainland, emphasize this synergy between environment and design.
Beyond Steel and Spice
Liu’s approach reflects a growing trend in blending tradition with innovation. Just as regional dishes preserve heritage through flavor, his team incorporates traditional motifs into modern skylines. This fusion creates urban spaces that residents emotionally connect with – turning cities into \"living albums\" of collective memory.
A Recipe for Global Inspiration
The concept resonates beyond borders: Young urban planners worldwide are adopting similar principles to balance cultural preservation with technological progress. As Liu notes, \"When materials carry meaning, they become bridges between generations.\"
Reference(s):
China's Food Culture: Our memories of a city aren't abstract
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