Jing Xu of 00Group, Designing Spaces Rooted in Nature and Culture

I became an architect to modernize and spatially express Chinese culture. My goal is to transform traditional cultural elements into contemporary architectural language, allowing people to experience the depth and elegance of Chinese heritage within modern spaces.

Through design, I seek to merge tradition with innovation, creating environments that resonate culturally while engaging a contemporary audience.

Our firm is dedicated to creating innovative, culturally resonant spaces that blend oriental aesthetics with modern design principles. We work across diverse project types, from cultural and commercial buildings to urban landscapes and residential projects.

My role centers on leading the creative vision, developing design concepts, and ensuring that each project embodies a thoughtful integration of environment, technology, and culture. Our team prioritizes a flexible, explorative approach to design, allowing us to craft unique solutions that connect deeply with both the site and its users.

To me, design is the art of transforming ideas and culture into spaces that shape experiences. It’s a process of translating abstract concepts—whether cultural, emotional, or environmental—into physical forms that resonate with people.

My favorite kind of design is the work of Louis Kahn. His greatest strength lies in his ability to present intangible meanings within tangible spaces, revealing a higher sense of philosophy and vitality.

Kahn’s designs transcend functionality; they evoke a sense of life and deeper purpose, bringing abstract qualities like silence, light, and presence into a physical form. His work resonates on an almost spiritual level, capturing the essence of architecture as a living, meaningful experience.

To me, a "good" design is one that allows people to glimpse a sense of the infinite within the limits of everyday life. It reveals beauty beyond the immediate function, inviting people to connect with something timeless and inspiring in the space around them.

My design style is characterized by a seamless integration of traditional oriental aesthetics with contemporary architectural principles.

My design process starts with abstract concepts that evolve into sketches and physical models. I conduct extensive research and test multiple design options, iterating continuously to refine my ideas. This collaborative approach allows me to get closer to the optimal solution, ensuring the final design resonates with users and fulfills both aesthetic and functional goals.

Yes, my country's cultural heritage significantly impacts my design process. The principles of Chinese culture, particularly the aesthetics of calligraphy and drawings, inspire my approach, guiding my choices in materials and forms.

I aim to reinterpret these elements in a modern context, creating designs that resonate with cultural significance while meeting contemporary needs.

Winning the 2024 MUSE Design Awards is a tremendous honor for both me and my team at 00Group. It validates our commitment to innovative design and reinforces our belief in the power of architecture to connect with culture and community.

The winning project we entered into the 2024 MUSE Design Awards is The Cosmic Creek, an innovative commercial street development located in Chengdu. This project reflects our design philosophy by integrating natural elements with contemporary architecture to create a vibrant public space.

The biggest challenge was addressing the implementation issues in the architectural design due to the high level of non-standardized elements involved.

This required us to continuously explore and innovate throughout the process, pushing the boundaries of our design tools and methods. We had to adapt and refine our approach to ensure that the vision could be realized effectively, ultimately leading to a more thoughtful and dynamic design solution.

Winning an award has significantly elevated my practice and career by enhancing our credibility and visibility in the architectural community. It has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and project engagement, allowing us to connect with clients and stakeholders who value innovative design.

My top three favorite things about the architecture industry are:

Imagination: The freedom to envision innovative designs and concepts that can reshape spaces and experiences.

Exploration: The continual journey of discovering new materials, technologies, and design approaches that push the boundaries of what architecture can achieve.

Practice: The opportunity to translate ideas into reality, learning through the hands-on process of building and refining spaces that serve and inspire communities.

My country is unique in the design industry due to the coexistence of tradition and modernity, the rapid pace of development, and an open-minded attitude toward experimentation. This dynamic environment allows designers to draw inspiration from rich cultural heritage while embracing contemporary innovations.

The blending of traditional elements with cutting-edge practices creates a distinct architectural language that reflects our identity. Additionally, the swift development in urbanization provides opportunities for creative exploration and implementation of bold ideas, fostering a culture of collaboration and forward-thinking within the design community.

In the next 5-10 years, I see the evolution of the design industry being significantly influenced by AI, which will take over many mechanical and repetitive tasks. This shift will allow architects to focus less on labor-intensive processes and more on the conceptual aspects of design, much like artists.

As a result, architects will have the freedom to concentrate on innovative thinking and pushing the boundaries of design. This evolution will lead to more creative and experimental approaches, enabling us to explore new ideas and possibilities while enhancing the overall quality and impact of our work.

Ultimately, AI will serve as a powerful tool that complements human creativity, allowing for a richer and more dynamic design process.

My advice would be to maintain your curiosity and passion for design. Stay open to exploring new ideas, materials, and techniques, as this will enrich your creative process. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and always seek to understand the cultural and contextual significance behind your designs.

This mindset will not only enhance your skills but also lead to more meaningful and impactful work in the industry.

I recommend exploring a variety of books related to architecture and design. These resources can provide valuable insights and inspiration, covering topics from fundamental principles to contemporary practices.

One of my greatest inspirations is Su Shi (Su Dongpo), a renowned Chinese poet, calligrapher, and statesman from the Song Dynasty. His ability to persevere through adversity while achieving high artistic accomplishments is truly admirable.

Su Shi faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his life, yet he continued to express his creativity and passion for art and literature.

My key to success is the continuous pursuit of growth and improvement. I believe that success is a journey rather than a destination, and I remain dedicated to honing my skills and expanding my knowledge.