Issuu

Portfolio

2024

Ruxing Xiao

EXPERIENCE DESIGNER / SPATIAL DESIGNER London, UK

Contents

Practices with related thoughts and questions Several practical examples in my portfolio revolve around themes such as “What do we leave behind?” “Why are we humans?” “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

Environments

CULTURAL CENTER IN HISTORICAL SITE

02_Fusing

POP UP EVENT IN RENOVATED INDUSTRIAL PARK

03_Commerce Unveiled: A Dialogue in Architecture

Where are we in the universe? 07_Ocean and Sky

NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM OF CHINA / ASTRONOMY GALLERY

Proximity

POP-UP EXHIBITION IN REUSED SHOPPING MALL

04_Family Roots

PERMANENT EXHIBITION IN ZHUHAI MUSEUM

Why are we humans?

Humans Species

How will we live together?

08_Eulogy of the International Space Station

05_Humans and the Universe

RITUALISTIC PERFORMANCE

ASTRONOMY / HUMANS GALLERY

06_Harbour of Buddhism

EXHIBITION DESIGN OF SACRED MOUNTAIN PARK VISITOR CENTRE

The Past

The Present

The Future

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. © Ralph Appelbaum Associates/Asia. Inc.

01 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 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 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.

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.

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

Country

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

Individual HISTORY OF THE ESTATE

City

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

Benefits

Site Crowd

Pro Bono 4

01 Tribute to Glories 6 7

Story outline

Centerpiece

Story 5 Story 1 Story 6

ARCHITECTURE ART & CULTURE TECHNOLOGY CONNECTION

Story 2

Story 4

ENVIRONMENT Story 5

brighten Past & Future

Story 1

Story 4

Story 3

Exhibition Strategy

Modular exhibit system

Story 2

Modular exhibit system

Centerpiece: immersive show

Modular exhibit system

Story 6

Story 3

Modular exhibit system

STORY THEME 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.

Entrance

Lobby

Hallway

Exhibition Hall

VIP Room

VIP Room Restroom

Restroom

EXHIBITION LAYOUT

01 Tribute to Glories

Semi-transparent scrim

locate projector in the horizontal table

Metal structure

Lighting fixture in the base

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.

01 Tribute to Glories

Metal mesh

LED Screen+ seamless scrim

LED linear light

Material and Visualization

Transformation of centrepiece

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;

01 Tribute to Glories

SITE PHOTOS

01 Tribute to Glories

Visualization of the Terrazzo floor in exhibition space

“kintsugi”, and Terrazzo floor fixation

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

01 Tribute to Glories

STRUCTURE REUSE

The metal “X” structure is combined with the metal frame, providing both display and storage functions.

01 Tribute to Glories

SITE PHOTO VIP room structure reuse

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.

02 Fusing

Hot Iron

Blast Furnace

Converter

Iron ore Liquid Steel

Limestone Coal

Fuse

Reuse Refinement

Casting

Renovation

Gathering Communication

Products

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.

02 Fusing

VISUALIZATION

02 Fusing

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

Observation

Workshop Rest

Entertainment Performance Exhibition

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.

02 Fusing

VISUALIZATION

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.

03 Commerce Unveiled:

A Dialogue in Architecture Architecture

Brands

Commercial Space

Customers

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

03 Commerce Unveiled:

A Dialogue in Architecture

SITE PHOTOS The exhibit installation creating a dialogue between indoor and outdoor

Commerce Unveiled: A Dialogue in Architecture

WINDOW

STREET

SQUARE

SPACE ANALYSIS Creating “Street”, “Square” and “Window” space referencing ancient Chinese market space.

03 Commerce Unveiled:

A Dialogue in Architecture

SITE PHOTOS The exhibit installation creating a dialogue between indoor and outdoor

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. © Ralph Appelbaum Associates/Asia. Inc.

04 Family Roots

TECHNICAL DRAWING

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.

04 Family Roots

SITE PHOTO

Why are we humans?

Humans and the Unitverse

ASTRONOMY / HUMANS GALLERY THE SUZHOU SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM Exhibition Design Collaborative Project Designed at Ralph Applebaum Associates Asia Location: Suzhou, China Time: 2021 Area: 2838m² This project includes the overall planning and permanent exhibition design for the Suzhou Science and Technology Museum. The planning of the whole museum is revealed according to the architecture. Narratively, it emphasises the logic of the scale of the three themes of the universe, the earth, and humans, from big to small. Spatially, it echoes the linear characteristics of the architectural form, implying a change of theme in terms of height. In this collaborative project, my contributions are site analysis, coordination with experts and consultants, concept development, exhibition design, and delivery of the design drawing.

Humans and the Unitverse

Hands Feet

Head

Feel, think, control —Head

Hold up, hold tight —Hands

Stand up and move forward —Feet

CONCEPT Three representative large-scale models of the human body: head, hands and feet - are the centre of the exhibit and the visual focus of the exhibition. From body to brain to specific behaviours, recognise the features and strengths that set humans apart from other species.

Following the three huge model, there are multiple stations illustrating the individual characteristics of the human body parts and their collaborative and integrated functions.

05 Humans and the Unitverse

VR EXPERIENCE Through the use of Augmented Reality (AR) devices, the three sets of models are combined to form a complete giant.

Humans and the Unitverse

COGNITION OF THE UNIVERSE

lifting

platform

cogn itiv

lifting

platform

cognitive

sta t

i on

sta

ns ti o

Sphere

co g

tion s ta e v iti lifting

platform

cognitive stations

Sphere Installation

lifting platforms

CONCEPT A symbolic large sphere and several segments of “cognitive stations” surrounding the sphere are the visual focus of the exhibition hall. The “Cognitive Stations” correspond to the different processes of human cognition of the universe, rising step by step, and the higher stations will be attached with lifting platforms to create different heights and viewing positions in the space for the audience.

Several organically shaped “cognitive stations” surround the “Sphere Installation”. Each station is surrounded by an interactive multimedia installation and has multiple “lifting platforms” to reach the higher stations.

05 Humans and the Unitverse VR EXPERIENCE

VR EXPERIENCE The sphere, as the basic form of the universe, is located at the centre of the exhibition and, together with the illustration system of the panels and the augmented reality (AR) device, it can be used as a reference for celestial bodies of different sizes, as well as for the presentation of celestial motions, structural composition or cosmic phenomena.

Why are we humans?

Harbour of Buddhism

SACRED MOUNTAIN PARK VISITOR CENTER Exhibition and Interior Design Project Collaborative Project Designed at Ralph Applebaum Associates Asia Location: Taiwan Duration: 2017-2019 Area: 1020m² Harbour of Buddhism is an exhibition in a visitor center situated in the Sacred Mountain Park in Taiwan. The exhibition introduces the world of Buddhism and the basic education system to visitors. The concept of exhibition design is trying to introduce the basics and common ideas of Buddhism. The stories are told by interaction exhibit strategies in every stage lead to the passage of spiritual journey. In this collaborative project, my role is a project manager and my contributions are overall project management, space analysis, coordination with the architect, concept development, exhibition strategies proposed. © Ralph Appelbaum Associates/Asia. Inc.

Harbour of Buddhism

Avatamsaka Stage: (state of enlightenment) interdependent diversity, attaining fruition of Buddhahood

Saddharma-Pundarika Stage: (aspiration) engendering bodhicitta, benefitting oneself and others.

Stage 4

Stage 3

Stage 1

Stage 2

Prajna Stage: (shamatha & vipashyana) mind in clarity, realizing Buddha nature, untainted wisdom

Preface

Main entrance

Agama Stage : (self-disciplinary) Dharma learning, living guidance

CONCEPT Introduce the 4 stages for visitor to basically know the aim and training program to attaining Buddhahood.

LAYOUT

Harbour of Buddhism

CONCEPT SKETCH OF EXHIBIT STAGE 1 - EIGHT SUFFERINGS Select several groups of artifacts tell story about different sufferings in life; The environment is dark and quiet, with independent showcases. When the visitors is closed to each case, light and soundscape will be triggered to create a small area for the conversation of each individual and a story that is related to the artifact.

Harbour of Buddhism

CONCEPT SKETCH OF EXHIBIT STAGE 2 - FREE UP & OPEN UP The exhibit helps visitors to change the way of thinking, re-recognize and perceive. The starry sky background composed of the projection screen and the wall with fiber lights.

Harbour of Buddhism

CONCEPT SKETCH OF EXHIBIT STAGE 3 - LISTENING This exhibit inspired by the wishing trees in the temple, setting groups of interaction trees to encourage visitors to vow and make a wish for doing good in life. With applying of data collection, the trees will be showing growing progress after visitor make a wish, and with the data accumulating will showing a long-term change.

Harbour of Buddhism

CONCEPT SKETCH OF EXHIBIT STAGE 4 - THEME VIDEOS Inspired by the candle lighting for praying for Buddha, creating the immersive feeling in the theatre; The multifunction shelf meets the needs of storage and exhibition, as well as for storage of seats for different situations.

Where are we in the universe?

Ocean and Sky

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. © Ralph Appelbaum Associates/Asia. Inc.

07 Ocean and Sky

Astronomy Gallery

Observation Cognition

Observation to Cognition

Cosmic cognition

Human’s Exploration

Sky

Looking up

Exit

Ocean Sailing to the universe Entrance

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.

The Maritime silk Road exhibition

07 Ocean and Sky

Astronomy Gallery

Looking up

EXPERIENCE_LOOKING UP 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.

07 Ocean and Sky

Astronomy Gallery

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.

07 Ocean and Sky

Astronomy Gallery

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.

07 Ocean and Sky

Solar System and Earth-Moon System

Telescopes and Observatories

Layout

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.

Space exploration - “ Chang’e and the Yutu”

How will we live together?

Eulogy for the International Space Station

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 event and performance that invites space enthusiasts to reimagine space stations through participatory sonic installations that sonify realtime 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).

08 Eulogy for