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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Emotive architecture in China

Figure 14. The interior of the Xiaoxi Jia Project uses recycled materials.
Source: Photo by WEI Architects (2016)

Figure 12. Materials used for the construction of Xiaoxi Jia were locally
sourced and recycled, demanding real-time design updates in digital
modeling to validate the feasibility and direct the construction process.
Source: Photos by WEI Architects (2016)
Figure 15. 3D modeling analysis of the current structure for the RouTing
Project. Source: Drawing by WEI Architects

joy, as observed during on-site research, and the passion
for work and craftsmanship observed from designers
to migrant workers throughout the project’s progress
(Figure 8). Love is a fundamental aspect of belonging and
experiencing the meaning of life, especially in a bustling,
global commercial hub where people seek an intimate
embrace of love to feel a sense of identity. The design
objective of RouTing was to enlighten and enhance this
experience.

4.3. Digital craftsmanship
The expression of emotion and the generation of emotional
resonance necessitate an intricately sculpted architectural
environment. This process demands careful crafting of
architectural form language, coupled with a deliberate
application of materials and construction methods.
In the Xiaoxi Jia and RouTing projects, we witness the
current state of architectural practice in China: designers
are equipped with global digital tools while confronting
Figure 13. Details of the Xiaoxi Jia Project that uses recycled materials. the varied construction crafts found in China’s urban and
Source: Photos by WEI Architects (2016) rural landscapes, each with its own unique constraints. Yet,

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 12 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1606