According to the German media, the government will provide a staggering 50 billion euros subsidy to artists and cultural enterprises including newspapers. 

“The creative courage of creative people helps us overcome crises. We should seize every opportunity to create something beautiful for the future. That's why artists are not only indispensable, but also vital, especially now.” German Culture Minister said a few days ago.

Located in Wangjing, Beijing, Poly International Plaza is Poly’s representative work, whose architectural design is inspired by “diamond lantern”. Our task is to “dot the eyes (of the painted dragon)” of this excellent architectural work. Wangjing is located in the northeast of Beijing. It is said that in the old days, if you stand on the mud slope at the entrance of the village, you can see the gate tower of Dongzhimen. That’s why it is called Wangjing, literally meaning “watching Beijing”. It has been an important gateway to the capital since ancient times. In ancient China, the lion placed in front of the gate has the meaning of “guarding the house”, which is an auspicious symbol in Chinese traditional culture. Chinese emperors loved lions and in the earliest days, only emperors had stone lions in their Shendao Tablets, which enhanced their authority and played a deterrent role. As time passed by, the lion symbol gradually gained popularity among ordinary people and become an auspicious beast guarding the gates. Then, how to place the “auspicious beast” at the “portal”? Of course, the stone lions in front of the banks won’t do. Instead, we extract the triangular motif of the facade of the building to construct two abstract virtual lions in triangular shape, interpreting the tradition with contemporary artistic language. Poly not only builds, sells and lets houses, but also considers and practices environmental art construction after the houses are completed, and organizes artists to create on the site to complement architectural works. Interestingly, this architectural work is designed by SOM of the United States, while the lion is a traditional Chinese auspicious beast. Therefore, through this project, the eastern and Western cultures seem to have made an attempt to blend. The echo between art and architecture not only brings infinite artistic conception, but also stimulates infinite imagination. The arrival of the lion has brought about rich nuances in light and shadow to the space, as well as a trace of color to the sober office lobby, which allows the passing employees more time and space for imagination, and makes the space more attractive. It is no longer a spacious empty lobby, but has become a field with infinite vitality, ready to trigger all kinds of activities and events. Isn't that what art is for?

Front View of “Watch” @ Fei