SPACE When I observed the grand open in last October, I felt that it
was a brilliant event for both architecture and architects. I thought that your
view of architecture might be different from others'. How do you think about
architecture and architects?
Zhang Xin architecture to me is about poetry. About music, is very spiritual, is something that purified one's mind as well as one's heart, and for that very reason, architects are poets. The architects whom I admire the most are the ones who listen to his heart, and allows the spirit to manifest on him, who forgets about himself/herself and without self consciousness. Then the work will be the touch of God. Of all the architects I have worked with, the one I most admire is Mr. Seung, he hears music in his heart, he sees beauty in his eyes.
SPACE 'Commune by the Great wall' must be a very unique project in the world. I would like you to comment on the background of this project. Did you have any model in mind for this project?
Zhang Xin I never work with any model or reference. It's all about feeling the moment. This is what I feel for China for the moment, as we are in the Construction Age. I look around Beijing. Every dynasty there are some wonderful heritage left to us, what is our contemporary identity? My intention is to create a life museum for contemporary architecture with very strong Asia identity. But frankly, it was the feeling for the moment Rather than a careful consideration.
SPACE How do you think would this project affect the Chinese architecture? Since the project required too much money. I feel that the ordinary people might not be much interested in it despite the word 'Commune'. Specifically, who are the targets of 'New Life Style' championed by SohoChina?
Zhang Xin It has surprised me that how many visitors are there to the Commune everyday, Commune has, indeed , become a new travel destination for Beijing, perhaps, it is because people are fascinated with China, they are eager to understand China, anything that represents youthful energy naturally attracts people.
SPACE Currently, China is filled with a fever for development. Each city witnesses new complexes and buildings, while new life styles are being suggested. At this moment, as one of the leaders in such a development what do you think most important now?
Zhang Xin Our country has huge suppressed energy, and it is very exciting to see how this has transformed the spirit of this country and continues to capture one's imagination. Urbanization seems to be the tone of the moment, wherever you go in China you see buildings coming up, whoever you talk to in China they talk about new lifestyle. And indeed, what is new lifestyle? Has the meaning of home changed? The activities certainly have been increased. We have been building SOHO (small office home office) s, and we have been advocating SOHO spirit, mixed activities, flexible space, culture diversification, but there again, our imagination can never match the reality. Existence is much vaster than one person's perception.
SPACE In Korea, numerous cities and buildings have been constructed rapidly since 1970's. Although some appreciate them as remarkable development, others have a critical view that our cities have lost their identity. Likewise, China changes very rapidly with the large capitals introduced. At the moment, how you think about the identity of Chinese architecture?
Zhang Xin I am very hopeful, that China will be different from most of other Asian counties who were unable to stand against the Western culture hegemony. Asian countries who were unable to stand against the Western culture hegemony. As mr Deyan Sudjic (the director for this year's Venice Biennale) said China is not a simple importor of architecture ideas and architects.
SPACE I know that other important projects attracting attention from the world are underway beyond this project. I would like to know about your future plan, because I believe you mar have a blueprint for the nest decade.
Zhang Xin I don't have a blueprint, I don't plan that much, I just listen and reacts to the opportunity presented to me. I am hopeful there will be many exciting projects. And for me personally, the excitement is the unknown, is never to repeat myself.
