Tangible Scene

The cherry tree forest symbolizes tenderness, beauty, and love. In the past, every household planted a cherry blossom tree in their courtyard, waiting for happiness to bloom. This profound tradition has left its mark on the present-day rural landscapes of China, specifically in Dianzuo village.

Nestled about an hour’s drive from Kunming, Yunnan, Dianzuo village stands in stark contrast to the typical rural landscapes of China. Surrounded by factories and western-style homes, the village has evolved in the wake of rapid economic development. Architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee observed that, over the past decade, large communal roads have brought progress to the area, following a conventional urbanization plan.

Yet, despite these changes, Dianzuo village remains deeply connected to its natural surroundings, struggling to keep pace with the relentless march of time. Gravel mining has carved out the mountains, streams are repurposed to irrigate orchards, and farmhouses now punctuate the landscape. The air is thick with dust, and what was once a vibrant natural world has now faded into a muted shadow.

Despite these rapid changes, a constant endures: the rugged path into the village and the nearly 10,000 m2 cherry tree forest at its entrance. The sakura forest stands as a silent guardian, its blooms welcoming all who pass through. Throughout the year, it not only enriches the village’s landscape with its natural beauty but also nurtures serenity in the hearts of its people. Villagers believe that any visitor who walks through the cherry forest will forever return to admire its beauty, no matter how much time passes.

In honor of this legend, architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, founders of HAS design and research, have woven the spirit of the village into their work. They have incorporated local tiles and handcrafted fabrics as primary building materials in their design. The tiles on the ground, shaped in the form of curling cherry blossom leaves, allow the villagers to hear the subtle sound of each step, echoing the natural rhythm of the forest.

The translucent handmade fabric above filters light, creating a soft interplay between the built environment and the changing landscape of the cherry trees throughout the seasons. Visitors who return will experience a multi-layered perspective of the sakura forest, as if the landscape itself is reflected in the delicate folds of the fabric.

The heart of this space forms Tangible Scene, where three large rocks – sourced locally – offer the villagers a place to gather, light a fire, and rest after a day’s work. This gathering place fosters a sense of community, bridging the gap between artificial and natural. Tangible Scene not only honors the beauty of the cherry tree forest as it once was, but it also serves as a place for villagers to envision a future where the past and present coexist in harmony.

In this way, the cherry tree forest, with its timeless grace, continues to shape the lives of the people who call Dianzuo village home, binding them to a shared heritage and a vision of a peaceful, sustainable future.