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2016 China Prize
Reclaiming Urban Public Spaces

Having had previous travel experiences in South Asia as well as several stays in temples, Li Dai’s proposal builds on her interest in under-represented groups and is inspired by Critical Regionalism in Asia. The award provided her an opportunity to explore how three elements—religion, space, and user—influence each other. Here three case studies—Hinduism in Delhi, Buddhism in Colombo, and Islamism in Dhaka—served as an inspiration for the development and design of public spaces of similar conditions in South Asia.

Li Dai
Huazhong University of Science and Technology

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Jury
Yuan Feng
Rosanna Hu
Peter J. Kindel (Chair)
Qian Qiang


© Li Dai.

Somf china prize li dai 2016 09

© Li Dai.

Somf china prize li dai 2016 08

© Li Dai.

Somf china prize li dai 2016 11

Fellow Experience

Li Dai undertook a month-long trip to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India. There, she explored the relationship between public space, religion, and people. We recently caught up with Li, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in landscape architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design. She reflected on how her travel experience enhanced her awareness of the mission and responsibility designers have in shaping the future.

How have your observations of various sites and people in the countries you visited—Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India—informed your perspective on design?

All design—whether architectural, landscape, urban—ultimately depends on its users. People respond to a space by initiating all kinds of activities within it. Only when designers know how to make the best use of a space, and fulfill the needs of those users, will we be able to create better urban environments. We can achieve this through both effective observation and participation in those spaces.

In terms of your goals and pursuits as a young designer, what role do you think travel will play?

I can’t help but think of a Chinese proverb which, although clichéd, still rings true: “It’s better to travel 10,000 miles than read 10,000 books.” I think I must continue visiting more places before I am able to create lasting, meaningful designs. As I traveled throughout South Asia, I encountered all kinds of extreme differences, including environmental and climatic conditions, as well as social disparities in wealth and living conditions. All of these experiences have encouraged me to engage more deeply as a designer in these areas.

In terms of balancing between research and travel, what advice would you give to potential future China Prize applicants?

Remember that travel often involves uncertainties. Take those uncertainties as opportunities for more experiences, reflection, and growth. For example, I got stuck in Dhaka in late July, during the flood season. I tried to go out on a rainy day but was hampered by the flooding before I even walked a block. The water carried a lot of trash, and it was almost as high as my knees; I would have risked falling into an uncovered drainage shaft. Instead, I sat in the hotel restaurant and sketched out this unforgettable scene. Many design ideas came to mind, including a renovation project in Copenhagen I’d previously participated in—a project that dealt with a data-driven storm water management system. I hope that I will have opportunities in the future to get more involved in these types of projects.

To me, research and travel are not contradictory. My travel experience in South Asia provided a reference point for my research on public spaces in the region. But this does not mean that research will happen naturally as you travel. I would recommend that applicants plan well ahead of time and do some cultural readings or watch some videos. That way, when they finally arrive, it will be like their second visit—allowing them to understand the place on a deeper level.

Somf china prize li dai 2016 03

Li Dai
Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Li Dai

grew up in Wuhan, China and received her Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2016 from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Since August 2016, Dai has been pursuing her master’s degree in Landscape Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she is working on human-experience design with an emphasis on materials and fundamental technologies. Following completion of her studies, Dai plans to gain design and management experience in landscape architecture offices around the world. Her long-term aspiration is to set up an independent landscape architecture office focused on Asian ecological and cultural identities.

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