Ruxing Xiao_Art and Space 2024

Portfolio

Ruxing Xiao

SPATIAL DESIGNER / ARCHITECT

Contents

Practices with related thoughts and questions

Several practical examples in my portfolio revolve around themes such as “What do we leave behind?” , “Where are we in the universe?” and “How will we live together?” These themes explore the intricate relationship between humans and their environments, mapping across both time and spatial scales.

The Universe

What do we leave behind?

01_Tribute to Glories

CULTURAL CENTER IN HISTORICAL SITE

02_Fusing

POP UP EVENT IN RENOVATED INDUSTRIAL PARK

03_Commerce Unveiled: A Dialogue in Architecture

POP-UP EXHIBITION IN REUSED SHOPPING MALL

04_Family Roots

PERMANENT EXHIBITION IN ZHUHAI MUSEUM

Environments

Proximity

Where are we in the universe?

05_Ocean and Sky

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM OF CHINA / ASTRONOMY GALLERY

06_Eulogy for the International Space Station RITUALISTIC PERFORMANCE

Humans

Species

How will we live together?

07_Curing Place

URBAN RENOVATION & COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER

01

What do we leave behind?

Tribute to Glories

CULTURAL CENTER IN HISTORICAL SITE

Exhibition and Interior Design Project

Collaborative Project Designed at Ralph Applebaum Associates Asia

Location: Moscow, Russia

Duration: 2019-2020

Area: 935m²

Tribute to the Glories is a cultural centre situated in a historical site that contains a profound history from the 1760s and with numerous powerful stories happening previously. This cultural centre is the first welcome venue in Russia for Chinese developers, which is designated to tell the story of this site.

In this collaborative project, my contributions are site analysis, concept development, interior design, development design drawing, furniture selection, construction supervision, and site coordination.

Tribute to Glories

The Moscow imperial Orphanage, was established by educator Ivan Betskoy and endorsed by Catherine II of Russia.

Empress Maria downsize the institution and established The Moscow Crafts College, placing upon high-level educational programs as a preparation for orphans’ future careers.

the sculptures “Education” and “Charity”

Domestic theatre formed. The orphans started learning performing art formed the dancing group was the foundation of the famous Bolshoi Ballet.

Some key elements have been found and got two powerful links:

Individual Crowd

The completion of the Karl Blank’s master plan since the architect Loveiko convinced the party leadership during the largescale reconstruction of Moscow under the Stalinist reforms.

The Military Academy settled after the disband by Bolsheviks. Then the Great Military Academy gradually took over the entire territory.

The Academy left the complex of buildings and the territory was turned into a abandoned zone in the center of Moscow.

Now

Redevelopment

In the future, the project is planning to redeveloped by Chinese developer and Moscow government. The refurbishment will open the space to the vicinity and tell the legendary to the public.

Start from the story of the site, and expand to related area : Architecture, Art & Culture, Technology, Connection, Environment. The theme is concluded in tributing to the glory of past and future.

Story outline

Exhibition Strategy

Tribute to Glories

Semi-transparent scrim

Metal structure

Lighting fixture in the base

locate projector in the horizontal table

EXHIBIT MODULAR SYSTEM

The exhibit modular inspired by the “windows” historical building to show the story. The modular system is standard combination of two types of component: vertical panel and horizontal table;

Metal structure in the shape of the historical window wrapped with light and semi-transparent scrim material to present large images; Uniform specifications, built-in lighting, and easy to use independently for special activities.

Material and Visualization

CENTERPIECE INSTALLATION

Choosing entrance gate of the main building as the centerpiece. The concept of “door” is used to express the values of the Estate in the past, present and future; The kinetic centerpiece creates an immerse experience for the great hall combined with lighting, exhibition media wall and part of the modular system. Lighting, audio-visual and power supply equipment are hidden within each module making them flexible to use;

Transformation of centrepiece

Metal mesh

LED Screen+ seamless scrim

LED linear light

INTERIOR RESTORATION STRATEGIES

The concept of interior design refers to the Chinese restoration method, “kintsugi”, which means elaborating the cracks or broken parts as an adding value. In the abandoned building, the method is used to fix the Terrazzo floor, structure, and material selection to contribute to the history of this site

“kintsugi”, and Terrazzo floor fixation

© Ralph Appelbaum Associates/Asia. Inc.

Visualization of the Terrazzo floor in exhibition space

Tribute to Glories

Neither this drawing, nor any of such ideas, arrangements, designs or plans shall be appropriated by or disclosed to any person, firm or corporation for any use whatsoever, except by the specific and written permission of Ralph Appelbaum Associates Incorporated Asia. Written dimensions on drawings shall have authority over scaled. Contractors and manufactorers shall verify and be responsible for all dimensions and conditions on the job and inform this office of all variations from drawing prior to performing the work. This office shall first see and approve contractor's full size shop details before fabrication. It is the fabricator's responsibility to verify and insure the structural integrity of this design with a licensed structural engineer.

Maintain the characteristics of axisymmetric space to emphasize the column form, and re-plan the entrance door, second doors and exhibition hall door to enhance the sense of ritual.

The reception desk is on the right side of the entrance, and clothes and hats storage and catering services are provided. Two groups of waiting areas are set on the left side of the entrance.

Select light-color decorative materials with rich natural textures to create an elegant atmosphere.

Based on the original style, increase the opening scale and improve detail quality. Apply special treatment for important parts.

除非得到北京睿思集展示设计有限公司的特定书面许可，任何个 人、公司、集团均不得泄露或盗用，无论是这张图纸，或是其中 的任何想法、安排、设计或计划。 图纸上的尺寸都是依据比例尺标注的。承包商和制造商应当查核 尺寸，对其工作中的所有尺寸和状况负责，并在开始进行工作前 将所有图纸上的差异和变化通知敝公司。敝公司在施作前，将先 查看并审核承包商的全尺寸制作图。制造商应负责请有执照的结 构工程师来查核并确保此设计的结构完整性。

北京睿思集展示设计有限公司

Ralph Appelbaum Associates Incorported Asia

100022, China

比例尺 日期 Date: Scale:

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PHASE

图号 Dwg. No:

LOBBY

EXHIBITION HALL

The main rest area includes different functions. The Left side is a relaxing lounge; right side is relatively quiet for formal discussions. The original “X” structure of the building is used to set up a modular exhibition shelf system, which can be used flexibly according to the needs.

Finish materials and colors in the space are integrated with light gray and textures to create a simple and masculine space quality; Retain and follow the original structure and form to re-generate new decorative features, providing new appearance and function.

BEFORE

VIP ROOM

The style and material continue those of the lobby, and the overall color is warm and bright.

The metal beam is combined with the metal frame, providing both display and storage functions.

Replace the broken glass block with laminated glass to highlight the repair work, presenting artistic effects.

Multifunction shelves are integrated with metal beams.

Walls are spliced with natural wood veneer and cement patterned artisan paint.

02

Fusing

What do we leave behind?

POP UP EVENT IN RENOVATED INDUSTRIAL PARK

Installation and Site Design

Individual project

Location: Beijing, China

Time: 2021

Area: 1012m²

The “Fusing” is a pop-up event design project, located in Shougang park which was the biggest steel-making industry based in the north part of China. This pop-up event aims to held exhibitions, shows, and markets.

The goal of the design is to communicate the history and story of the steelmaking company after its renovation. The concept of this proposal was inspired by the original function of the site, No. 3 Blast Furnace. It was originally used to fuse, refine and reuse raw mineral materials. Therefore, I decided to use metal scaffolding system to structurally “fuse” the history of the site, the creativity of the event, and the people together.

CONCEPT

The site of the event is the square in front of the No. 3 Blast Furnace, which is the first step of steel-making: fuse, refine and reuse the original mineral materials.

A green diamond-like energy block is formed by a single triangle unit which is the most stable structure signify the steel industry as the pillar industry in China. This installation expressed the rebirth of this century-old Shougang and the revitalization of this abandoned site.

Communication

Refinement

Iron ore

Hot Iron

Liquid Steel

Products

Limestone

Coal

Fuse

Reuse

Converter

Casting

Blast Furnace

Gathering

Renovation

Observation Workshop

Rest

FORMATION

Using Layher scaffolding system create triangles formed the process that fragments is fusing into a diamond-like energy block. The installation plan to carry several function to stimulate social engagement.

Performance

Exhibition

Entertainment

Geometry elements referencing from the most common and stable form in the park.

03

What do we leave behind?

Commerce Unveiled: A Dialogue in Architecture

POP-UP EXHIBITION IN REUSED SHOPPING MALL

Exhibition Design

Individual project

Location: Beijing, China

Time: 2021

Area: 291.6m²

The “Commerce Unveiled: A Dialogue in Architecture” is a temporary exhibition located within a re-purposed shopping mall in the historic district of Beijing. The exhibition aims to spotlight architectural projects centered around commercial renovations, fostering a conversation to gain insights into the current trends within commercial spaces.

Commerce Unveiled: A Dialogue in Architecture

Architecture

Exhibitions

Creating Dialougue

Bird’s-Eye View of the Capital City, Inspired by Emperor Longing’s Poems. 京師生春意圖軸,Xu Yang (徐揚, 1750–after 1766

Ink and colour on silk, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period, 1767

The Palace Museum, Xin146672

CONCEPT

The exhibition defined as another angle to see the commercial space, to reveal the connection and communication between brands and customers

04

Family Roots

What do we leave behind?

PERMANENT EXHIBITION OF ZHUHAI MUSEUM

Exhibition Design Project

Collaborative Project Designed at Ralph Applebaum Associates Asia

Location: Zhuhai

Duration: 2016-2021

Area: 8020m²

Family Roots is a project tell the story of family history and story in Zhuhai province. By using the metal strut system for each family and using iconic architecture elements to create the environment for each family and using artifacts as evidence to tell the story.

In this collaborative project, my contributions are concept development, development design of drawing, construction drawing, construction supervision, and site coordination.

LAYOUT

Each of the important “family” has a relatively separate exhibition area; There are three widths for the family section: 4 metres, 5 metres, and 7 metres, in a grid system.

除非得到北京睿思集展示设计有限公司的特定书面许可，任何个 人、公司、集团均不得泄露或盗用，无论是这张图纸，或是其中 的任何想法、安排、设计或计划 图纸上的尺寸都是依据比例尺标注的。承包商和制造商应当查核 尺寸，对其工作中的所有尺寸和状况负责，并在开始进行工作前

Family Roots

STRUT SYSTEM DESIGN

By using the metal strut system for each family and using iconic architecture elements to create the environment for each family and using artifacts as evidence to tell the story.

Artefacts showcase Strut system Information panel

Architecture elements

Family Roots

05 Ocean and Sky

Where are we in the universe?

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM OF CHINA / ASTRONOMY GALLERY

Exhibition Design

Collaborative Project Designed at Ralph Applebaum Associates Asia

Location: Tianjin, China

Time: 2018

Area: 2190m²

The idea of this exhibition design for the National Maritime Museum of China Astronomy Gallery is building connections between ocean and sky. The Astronomy Gallery tells astronomy stories from different aspects that connect to this museum and specific to the region, the harbour of northern China.

In this collaborative project, my role is a project manager / 3D designer, and my contributions are overall project management, site analysis, concept development, exhibition strategies proposal, exhibits design.

Ocean and Sky 05

Astronomy Gallery

Observation

Cognition

EXPERIENCE CONCEPT

The idea of this exhibition design for the National Maritime Museum of China Astronomy Gallery is building connections between ocean and sky. The story is based on humans observation and cognition of ocean and sky, considering the theme of astronomy of the gallery and the harbour city context of the building.

Observation to Cognition

Cosmic cognition Looking

Human’s Exploration

Sailing to the universe

Entrance The Maritime silk Road exhibition

Creating infinite imagination in limited space, the vast and beautiful starry sky, as well as human observation, interpretation, research and exploration of it for hundreds of years.

Astronomy Gallery

Looking up

EXPERIENCE_LOOKING UP

Cosmic cognition

EXPERIENCE_COSMIC COGNITION

Designed in a station system, each of them represents an important cosmic cognition. The audience engages and interacts with the ancient an modern “tools” to observe and perceive the knowledge through them.

Human’s Exploration

EXPERIENCE_HUMAN’S EXPLORATION

Introduce the modern space mission. Whether it is the exploration of the sea or the stars, we always look through the portholes. Here the portholes are used as a carrier to encompass the achievements of human exploration of the deep sea and the universe.

Astronomy

EXHIBIT DESIGN

EXHIBIT STATIONS

According to the space arrange exhibits according to the time sequence and it relation to the “sky”

Each station lead audience to use the technology to observe to the “sky”

Human’s knowledge of the universe is extremely limited, the space design leaves a moderate amount of white space to reserve for future up- dates and additions, and to reserve more space for the audience to feel, observe and think.

Solar System and Earth-Moon System

Telescopes and Observatories

Space exploration - “ Chang’e and the Yutu”

Layout

Eulogy for the International Space Station 06

Where are we in the universe?

RITUALISTIC PERFORMANCE

Performance / Curation / Installation Design

Master study major project

Location: London, UK

Time: 2023

“Eulogy for the International Space Station” is a sonic fiction that highlights the urgency of collaborative survival in a time when private missions threaten the future of Earth.

The project includes a workshop/event and performance that invites space enthusiasts to reimagine space stations through participatory sonic installations that sonify real-time electromagnetic data. The sound resources collected during the event were used to compose the eulogy in collaboration with Hengrui Zhang, using sound to enable personal interpretation and collective reflection on the future of humanity. Sonic fiction offers a means of decoding our relationship with technology, reimagining humanity in the post-human era, and discovering new modes of being in the world (Kodwo Eshun, 1998).

Project Soundtrack and Video Link: https://youtu.be/PBSbETmBMPk?si=VaRRUAdEAg-hIY6g

A ritualistic event travel to 2030, we come together to pay our final respects to a true marvel of human achievement-the International Space Station.

PERFORMANCE PHOTO

Eulogy of the International Space Station

EXPERIENCE

The whole experience lead with host and performers, impressively taking the audience to the future sentimentally.

Invitation

Sonic Meditation

DIY Session

Greenwich Park holds great significance in relation to both time and space. The prime meridian, which passes through the park, marks the starting point of time as defined by humans. This makes the park a meaningful location to kick-start conversations about space exploration for this project. By using this location as a starting point, we can explore the relationship between time and space and ignite a thought-provoking discussion.

Eulogy of the International Space Station

EXHIBITION AND PERFORMANCE

The exhibition of this project will be a ritual in both time and space, revealing a collective recognition as a community (Han and Steuer, 2020), which creates the stable time and space and feeling of belonging, and leads to the create the ritualistic event for a spaceship to excite introspective contemplation as a collective species.

The participatory performance will be arranged at a specific time. After the performance, the installation will transform into a “monument” that has been built during performance, accompanied by a soundtrack with the recorded live sounds.

Eulogy of the International Space Station

DESIGN_ IMAGINATION HUB _ ENGINE

An participatory installation for people to gather and interacted to imagine future spaceships. And can capture electromagnetic field data as an observation instrument, and transmit it to sound for inspiration about the future imagination.

TECHNICAL DIAGRAM

origami

UNITS

DESIGN_MAG-SPACESHIP

The assembled spaceship blocks invite the audience to assemble them and imagine a future community like ISS. The blocks connect by magnets which can change the EMF data, which metaphorically means in the physics world every tinny change will lead to more change and all connected together as a whole

Eulogy of the International Space Station 06

Curing place 07

How will we live together?

URBAN RENOVATION & COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER

Thesis project / Urban planning & Architecture Design

Individual project

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, America

Time: 2016

Site Area: 284,119 ft²

Built Area: 3673 m²

Curing Place concerns a multi-generations community that lives in a historical district in Cincinnati. The project involves both urban planning and architecture design. Facing the changes brought by city development, the design revolves around the past and present of the community. With the impact of evolving urban landscape and changing culture, what attitude and action should a developing neighborhood business district adopt?

Single Family House

For “Rustbelt Tradition” group living, also respond to the housing in north sides.

Community Cultural Center:

For public education and activities, improve people ‘s mental health.

Center Space:

Creating center public space, for residents recreation, encourage residents to interaction and offer a stronger sense of community.

Mix-use Retails and Apartment:

For young newcomers, near bus station, restaurants.

Senior Apartment:

For elder, offering a silence and near the green space

Mix-use Retails and Office:

Offer more jobs, attract people living and working in East Walnut Hills.

Zooming in to the site, the proposal aim to create transition zone to connect the whole block to the context, to create the inner-network of mixed-land use, social activities, green space and mobility.

Healthy mobility network

Activity network

Green space network

William Howard Taft Rd

Proposed Street

Proposed Street

SOLUTION OF THE SITE

The space created for the old building will engage visitor to view the building and know the story.

The multifunction area can be used of gallery for special exhibition; and auditorium for public lecture.

The area created for group study or meeting is full of sunshine and meet the need for education.

What do we leave behind?

Where are we in the universe?

How will we live together?