Dragon Mountain Pavillion by Aurelien Chen
Completed in 2019

Aurelien Chen is a French architect, building engineer, and architectural photographer with 20 years of international experience on small and large scale projects. He joined Cui Kai Studio in Beijing (CADG) for ten years, where he specialized in cultural and renovation projects. He now develops his own design practice, and is also partner at Zhijian Workshop, a multidisciplinary design studio whose work blurs the boundaries between the various disciplines: architecture, design, art, photography, scenography etc. This multidisciplinary approach of architecture gives him the opportunity to work on various topics and types of projects, each new project being a singular experience. His work has recently been honored at Best of Year Awards 2020.

Above all else, this installation is a landmark placed by the roadside to draw the attention to the entrance of the Dragon Mountain Natural Site (Zhulong Shan), a typical example of Shanshui traditional Chinese landscape composed by mountains, forest, clouds and water.

There are three different sequences of approach and just as many levels of perception in this installation. While approaching the site from the street, a vibrant mountain composed by 200 inox poles subtly appears in the distance. With speed, the poles become a single surface and the effects created by the different materials composing the poles reveal the shape of a new mountain.

While the visitor moves closer, he discovers a miniature landscape in which he can move and stroll. The poles become a forest; a black marble river invites the visitor to walk towards the real mountain standing out against the horizon. The canopies placed above the visitor’s head to represent clouds, turn out to be mirrors. In this peaceful setting, urban life goes on reflecting itself on the mirror canopies and on the surface of the poles.

The perforations on the mirror panels create an interplay of light and shadow marking the passing of time.

The images of cars passing by are reflected over the poles, they disappear behind the poles and reappear between the gaps. Inside the installation there is an opposite, slow temporality. To speed, to the pragmatism of fast movement, is counterposed a poetic experience, a temporal and spatial pause. It is a space in between the hectic and trafficked road and the majestic, still natural landscape of the mountain. A moment of calm and reflection on the elements composing Chinese traditional landscape.

At night, thousands of stars appear on the poles, perforated randomly, and give shape to a mountain vibrant with light.

more. www.aurelien-chen.com