Xia Gong, a post-90s generation, has been "drifting in Tibet" for 5 years. He has almost "soaked" all his energies in ancient buildings with a history of thousands of years in Tibet.
Xia Gong's name is Xia Yujun. After graduating from the Birmingham College of Art and Design in the United Kingdom with a master's degree, Ben had a stable job in Shanghai.
Out of his love for ancient architecture in Tibet and the entire Himalayas, he came to Lhasa to work and live in 2016, and he wants to continue to "root" here.
Tibet is a treasure house of ancient buildings. Whether it is magnificent palaces, solemn temples, and simple dwellings, they all show the splendid history and culture of Tibet.
In Xia Gong's view, Tibetan architecture expresses a unique spiritual temperament.
[Concurrent] "Returnees" architect Xia Yujun
Tibet not only has beautiful scenery, not only beautiful mountains, snow-capped mountains and holy lakes, right?
It can also be in one place, and in half a day, it will give you such a surprise to learn about the entire ancient city.
[Explanation] Before he settled in Lhasa, Xia Gong had been in a relationship with ancient Tibetan architecture for a long time. His master's thesis was to study ancient architecture in the Himalayas.
[Concurrent] "Returnees" architect Xia Yujun
If possible in my life, I will be based on this side and record all these temples, and even the buildings in remote areas first. This is my wish to stand on this side.
[Explanation] During these years of living in Tibet, Xia Gong always arranges time to go out for inspection every year.
In his luggage, he always carries camera equipment, sketchbooks, rangefinders, etc.
At the same time, spend time and life to understand the heritage story behind the architecture.
[Concurrent] "Returnees" architect Xia Yujun
With records, we can talk about our protection, or protective reuse, on this basis. This is also where we followed the footsteps of our predecessors and slowly walked to the present.
So we are now doing this basic work well, in fact, I think it is a very important foreshadowing for all future buildings.
[Explanation] During the inspection, Xia Gong was always attracted by various ancient and vivid architectural forms. Mani stone walls and stone scriptures were all captured and recorded by him.
The details of these Tibetan buildings were finally compiled by Xia Gonghui one by one rigorous and solid archives of ancient buildings.
[Concurrent] "Returnees" architect Xia Yujun
The most important thing is actually surveying and mapping. The indoor space, floor plan, and facade, even its history and inheritance, should be sorted into a very logical archive as much as possible.
[Explanation] Xia Gong told reporters that recently, the ancient Qing dynasty building Jibenggang Lakang in Lhasa that he and his team spent three years transforming has become an art space open to the public. This is the first time in Tibet.
[Concurrent] "Returnees" architect Xia Yujun
Not all temples can be converted into art galleries, and not all ancient buildings can be converted into other commercial states, so each (ancient building) needs a good evaluation system.
The Yoshimoto Art Center is opened to everyone as the new name card of the ancient city, and it is also a result of this comprehensive evaluation.
[Explanation] Xia Gong believes that the prerequisite for the renovation of ancient buildings must be to fully respect the historical heritage of the building itself, and to sort out the underlying logical relationships first.
[Concurrent] "Returnees" architect Xia Yujun
The influence of modernization is ubiquitous. We can see that modern life can penetrate every tribe and every village through the Internet and mobile phones.
How to better cater to (integrate) the (architectural) regionality and modernization, and how to better convey the beauty of these buildings, this is the focus of (our) future work.
[Explanation] Xia Gong hopes that through protective use, the hidden ancient buildings will continue to radiate energy.
Reporting from Tibet by reporter Gongsangram Ran Wenjuan
Editor in charge: [Song Fangcan]