Concept: Ballroom Wall
In Materials & Processes, students were tasked with designing a ballroom feature wall that clearly communicated a cohesive story through material and form. Every texture, finish, and detail was thoughtfully selected to support the narrative, transforming a single surface into an intentional and immersive focal point within the space
Chinese Lanterns: Breaking down the culture
In Chinese culture, color carries deep significance, red symbolizes prosperity and joy, gold reflects wealth and good fortune, and warm light represents harmony and unity. Lanterns have long been used during festivals and celebrations to guide, protect, and gather communities together, their glow signifying hope and renewal. I chose to theme the ballroom around Chinese lanterns because of their visual elegance and cultural depth, allowing the space to feel luminous, celebratory, and rooted in tradition while inviting guests into an atmosphere of warmth and shared joy.
Lantern Celebration
This Chinese-Lantern-themed ballroom embodies prosperity, harmony, and joyful celebration. Intricate lattice and tile work frame a space where cloud and water motifs flow across the walls while soft, glowing lanterns fill the room with gentle warmth. Guarding the ballroom are Chinese Dragon lanterns whose radiant forms evoke power, protection, and auspicious energy, completing a luminous setting where dancing feels both ethereal and celebratory
Design Documentation
Another key objective of this project was the clear and intentional documentation of design intent. Beyond developing the concept, we were challenged to articulate it through detailed elevations, refined construction drawings, and thoughtful explanations that justified each material, form, and spatial decision. The process emphasized that strong design is not only imagined, but carefully communicated, ensuring that every choice contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative and experience.
Detail Elevations
The Chinese dragon stands as one of the most revered cultural symbols in Chinese tradition, embodying strength, prosperity, and noble power. As one of the Four Sacred Beasts of Chinese mythology, the Azure Dragon represents the East and carries associations of renewal and spring. Its presence is believed to invite good fortune and auspicious energy, serving as both guardian and guide. Beyond symbolism, the dragon is also regarded as a controller of water and weather, reinforcing its connection to balance, life, and natural forces. Within the space, the dragon becomes more than ornamentation; it acts as a protective and powerful figure, grounding the design in heritage while elevating the atmosphere with a sense of dignity and celebration.
The entry experience is designed with intention and symbolism. The door handle incorporates the Chinese character for prosperity, offering a quiet blessing as guests cross the threshold. Intricate latticework, inspired by traditional Chinese residential architecture, frames the space with patterns that carry layered meaning. Within the upper trim, the lattice subtly forms the symbol “ya,” representing longevity and enduring life. These details transform functional elements into moments of cultural storytelling, allowing each surface to contribute to a welcoming atmosphere rooted in heritage, harmony, and good fortune.
