[4] Rebirth of Lop Nur

Duration: 2020/08 - 2020/10

Location: Lop Nur, Xinjiang, China

Academic Group Work

Collaborator: Zixi Li

Lop Nur, located in Xinjiang Province, China, is a desolate and uninhabited region dominated by the Yardang landform and vibrant colors. Once a flourishing oasis with the prosperous civilization of Loulan, it now attracts people seeking to cross the no man's land or explore the mysterious Loulan ruins. However, this journey is perilous, fraught with danger. Amidst this harsh landscape, architectural structures emerge as beacons of hope, providing spiritual support and symbolizing resilience. They offer solace and reflection, connecting explorers to the past and inspiring visions of rebirth. In the desolation of Lop Nor, the interplay between the barrenness and architectural marvels reflects human aspiration and resilience. These structures become sanctuaries, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit and our ability to find beauty and meaning in even the harshest environments.

Loulan, the ancient country existing more than three thousand years ago, had beautiful grassland and lakes. Later, due to the environmental destruction by local residents, the land turned to desert and the country disappeared.

Sun Tomb is one of the most important sites discovered today among the ancient country area. There is a circular open space in the middle, surrounded by several seven wooden stakes. Each stake is more than a foot high. It shows like a number of rays in the shape of the sun, which represents new born.

Thesis: Spiritual Intention

Lop Nur, one of China's largest no man's lands situated in the Gobi Desert, presents numerous challenges such as water scarcity, absence of mobile phone signal, and extreme weather conditions like sandstorms. Despite these difficulties, Lop Nur continues to captivate people due to its enigmatic nature and ancient ruins, accompanied by mysterious legends often associated with disappearance and death. Many individuals are drawn to this place, disregarding the dangers involved. Some opt to drive through, while others choose to walk or cycle across.

The disappearance of the ancient civilization of Loulan in Lop Nur was a result of environmental destruction caused by humans, representing a form of biological selfdestruction. Similarly, those who venture into Lop Nur symbolize a spiritual self-destruction. According to Freud's theory, humans possess two instincts: one driven by love and the other by death. The instinct of destruction and aggression is inherent in everyone, driven by impulses rather than conscious decisions. Motivated by these impulses, individuals aim to achieve a sense of accomplishment by crossing the no man's land, seeking inspiration or a sprouting spirit in a unique environment, or finding emotional sustenance.

The lines in the accompanying picture symbolize the binary simulation of a black hole, representing destruction. The background images of Tolstoy, John Lennon, and the crowd surrounding a bonfire represent the three spiritual pillars of life: literature, music, and emotion, respectively. Together, they allude to the profound impact of these elements on human existence.

Site context

Lop Nur locates in the south-east of Yuli County, Xinjiang Province, China. The climate here is dry and hot with strong erosion. The highest temperature in summer of the place is more than 40 degrees centigrade, while the lowest temperature in winter is below - 20 degrees centigrade.

From March to May, it belongs to windy season and from June to August it regards as gale season.

Affected by the climate, most people choose to go through the land in September and October, so the temporary buildings can be built during the two months.

Topograhpy

The site locates on the South Bank of Lop Nur, with an integral Yardang landform rising from South to West which is unique. The characteristic of the landform is a combination of wind erosion mounds and hollow formed by weathering, intermittent water erosion and wind erosion, parallel to the prevailing wind direction. Therefore, the relatively flat part of the area is selected as the design site.

Preventing round chairs by deleting multiple inscribed circles.

Cut concentric circles and break it with straight lines.

Cut concentric circles and break it with straight lines.

The display stands is set up by dividing several concentric circles equally.

Each of them consists of annular resin boards inclining from inside to outside, which effectively changes the direction of the wind and prevents direct strong wind blowing.