Revival of Ordinary Trees
“In a real-world architectural project in China, preserving an ordinary tree on site is no easy feat. It demands additional effort in terms of cost, time, and precision. Nevertheless, it is always worth the battle.
Each tree embodies a unique spirit firmly anchored at a specific coordinate point. Preserving a tree equates to safeguarding the soil and topography surrounding its roots, the expanse reaching towards the heavens, the natural light and breeze filtering through its canopies, the birds perching upon its branches, and the individuals lingering beneath its shade. From a spatial perspective, a tree functions as a microcosmic ecological system within the vertical dimension.
Trees carry time, memory and emotion. Eventually, it is the magic of architecture that transformed these ordinary trees into the extraordinary soul of a place.”
DONG Gong
On May 10, 2025, Revival of Ordinary Trees, the installation by Vector Architects was officially opened to the public in the Arsenale of Biennale Architettura 2025. The Biennale is curated by Carlo Ratti, under the theme "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective". The project was featured in the "Nature" thematic section of the Biennale. This marks a significant presentation by Vector Architects, demonstrating the humble posture of architecture, as a mediator, when it intervenes in nature.
This exhibition focuses on the project of Jingyang Camphor Court, located within the premises of the former porcelain machinery factory in Jingdezhen. The fusion of renovated and newly constructed spaces surrounding the camphor court introduces innovative hospitality, establishing an urban living room that accommodates residential, cultural and artistic amenities accessible for the public. The design is developed from the idea of maximizing the preservation of the existing trees and their intricate microtopography.
The exhibition narrative is presented through a set of 1:40 scale sectional models, the original hand-drawn "Tree Index" drawing, 4 footages of long take videos that traverse space, and a 10-minute documentary, all of which jointly tell the story of "Revival of Ordinary Trees".
The sectional model measures 9 meters in length and 4 meters in width, occupying the primary exhibition space. Its scale is determined by dual consideration: responding to the spatial dimensions of Arsenale and ensuring that the model itself serves as a space. The surrounding large-scale industrial building volumes in models act as a protective interface for the "trees" within the installation. Four entrances are positioned at different locations, and they connect two exhibition flow lines, guiding visitors to walk inside the Jingyang Camphor Court through a series of spatial slices. This representational method preserves the analytical characteristics of the sectional model, revealing the intricate relationship between architecture, trees, and soil underneath at eye level. By combining visual penetration with body movement, the information embedded in the model unfolds progressively as viewers navigate through space.
Initially, the model's base was conceived as a thick strata section, designed to rest directly on the ground to evoke a solid maze-like exploration atmosphere. However, due to ocean logistical constraints requiring a detour around Africa and the resulting time pressure on production, the design ultimately adopted standard steel product of adjustable-height pillar supports made from manufactures. These supports inadvertently serve as a metaphor for the dense pile foundations beneath the ground of Venice city, establishing a transcendent dialogue between the model installation and its geographical context.
One end of the model incorporates hand-drawn Tree Index on the platform. The drawing integrates architectural plans, sections, and tree-related information into a cohesive graphic system, matching with the representations of "trees" made from dry plants within the model.
The long take footage captures the architect's persistent observation of the trees, highlighting the dynamic interplay between natural elements and architectural design. This reveals the essence of the design—architecture as a continuous evolution alongside the natural environment rather than a static outcome. The documentary chronicles the architect's initial engagement with the site and the inception of the design concept, encapsulating profound reflections on trees.
When new functions were integrated into the site, preserving the original trees not only aligned with the design's original intent but also required significant additional effort from the team during their daily work, and these deliberate decisions reflect a respectful acknowledgment of nature's fragility from them.
CREDITS
Principal Architect: Dong Gong/ Vector Architects
Design Management: Zhang Han
Project Architect: Zhang Liwen
Team Members: Ma Xiaokai (Model), Li Yixuan (Coordination), Zhao Liangliang (Video), Li Xiang (On-site Architect), Yang Jing (Finance)
Documentary: Vector Architects, Chen Hao
Model Production: Micro Mode Technology Design (beijing) CO., LTD, Zhou Zijun, Shen Runtian, Wen Chenyu, Guo Xinying, Li Songlin, Chen Longxin, Zhang Ke, Li Yuxuan, Zhang Teng, Gao Yifu, Zhong Yougen, Cheng Weichu, Marco Carretta, Maida Štulanović, Imola Koos, Diana Sofia Anzaldua, Shi Jiayu, Athena Li, Ilia Cleanthous, Samuel Field
Lighting Consultant: X Studio, School of Architecture, Tsinghua University
Structural Consultant: iStructure
Projection Consultant: Beijing Yuan Yi Rui Bo Technology Co., Ltd.
Display Production: Tongtai MasterBuilder Group, Junhua Building Materials, Xiangshenghang, Master Xiong, Linen Li Art Materials
Logistics: Beijing Zemu Art Exhibition Service Co., Ltd.
