The Hollow Sanctuary

Inspiration

The Shi Wall

Cultural Map – Plaster Model Series

• As part of an exploratory study in spatial representation, this project consists of four individual plaster models, each of which reflects a unique cultural map. This was the first time I used plaster as a modeling material, allowing me to learn and experiment throughout the process.

• The four models – stone wall, hollow space, lighthouse and spice – each interpret specific cultural elements through form and texture. They are derived from my personal inspiration, a love of cooking. I immediately associated the rich sensory experience of Chinese cuisine with a proposition for campsite design, translating the flavours, aromas and rituals of cooking into a spatial experience in abstract form.

Inspired by the organic form of a mushroom, The Hallow Space reimagines nature as shelter. This gypsum model is designed as a communal gathering spot—ideal for camping, barbecuing, or simply resting. The sculptural canopy is supported by slender rods, creating an open yet intimate environment underneath, where people can gather, eat, and share stories.

The circular base invites inclusivity, while the dome above offers a sense of protection and enclosure—mirroring how mushrooms provide shelter in the wild. This model explores the intersection between natural inspiration and human interaction, asking how architecture can create comfort, warmth, and belonging in outdoor spaces.

This model explores the cultural and symbolic significance of walls as both physical dividers and conceptual carriers of meaning. The central feature of The Shi Wall is the engraved Chinese character “食”, which translates to “food” or “to eat.” In Chinese culture, food represents not only sustenance but also community, tradition, and emotional connection.

By inscribing the character directly into the gypsum, the wall becomes a tactile and visual reminder of these values. It transforms into more than just a boundary—it becomes a monument to shared meals, cultural identity, and the everyday rituals that define a sense of home. The presence of “食” encourages viewers to reflect on how architecture can communicate and preserve cultural memory through even the simplest forms.

The Light Tower is conceived as a vertical beacon, serving primarily as a lighting space within the camping model series. The form draws from the typology of a traditional watchtower, reimagined in gypsum with a minimalist and sculptural approach.

The cylindrical base, partially carved and textured, channels light through small punctures and openings, creating a soft glow that evokes warmth and guidance. The elevated dome-like cap, supported by vertical rods, suggests both protection and illumination—acting like a lantern that hovers above the surrounding landscape.

This model explores how architecture can create emotional resonance through light. It stands as a spatial marker, offering not just visibility but also a sense of safety and atmosphere for nighttime gatherings.

The Spice captures the essence of Chinese culinary tradition through architectural form. At its core, this model houses a key spice used in nearly every Chinese dish—an ingredient that embodies familiarity, comfort, and cultural identity.

The plaster structure is cast from a repurposed spice container, with its ribbed surface and punctures preserving the tactile memory of everyday cooking. The carved top reveals a transparent chamber at the center, allowing the spice inside to be subtly visible—honoring its quiet but essential presence. The imperfections and voids in the surface mirror the raw, unfiltered process of preparing food and the intimate connection it creates.