At the 2021 Guangzhou Design Week, PINWU created the "Natural Habitat" thematic exhibition for two brands NABEL and CESAN. The exhibition focused on natural materials and explored the dimensions of "bamboo," "living," and "construction" in its content and spatial design.

The design concept was inspired by the 2021 research theme of the five-year "Chinese Traditional Colors and Textures Study" plan, a collaboration between NABEL, Shenzhen Creative Foundation, and Rong Design Library, which centered on bamboo. Building on previous studies of fabric and paper, "Natural Habitat" showcased PINWU's journey from research on bamboo's natural textures, weaving techniques, and bamboo construction structures, to the design applications and final products, offering viewers an immersive experience.

Living Space

「Natural Habitat」exhibition explores contemporary living concepts centered around "bamboo," "living," and "construction" with a focus on coexisting with nature. The venue is designed with a bamboo structure and incorporates various natural materials such as "paper," "fabric," "bamboo," "rock colors," and "earth textures." This transforms the space into a concept art venue rich in natural rhythm and design inspiration. The exhibition presents a trend towards natural "living" spaces, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable design, from individual homes to larger communities, collectively building the Natural Habitat.

Natural "Construction" Space

Inspired by traditional "shelter-building" techniques, we utilized various bamboo construction forms to design the different spaces within the exhibition:

Bamboo Inlay Structure

The entire exterior is wrapped with bamboo weaving, supported entirely by bamboo materials. The external structure integrates various bamboo weaving techniques and patterns, with tiles and porcelain panels embedded into the bamboo framework, creating a play of light and shadow. Unlike the heavy metal and woodworking panels commonly used in exhibitions, we employed lightweight and breathable structures. After the exhibition, these components are dismantled, recycled, and reused.

Arched Ceiling Structure

The materials research display features an arched ceiling woven from bamboo strips, extending across the curved walls. This design element immerses viewers in the "design laboratory" of traditional colors and textures research, offering a journey from research through design to the final tile product series. From this point, visitors traverse various bamboo-constructed environments, experiencing each unique "natural dwelling" and using their hands to explore and interpret the textures of natural materials and tiles.

Natural "Bamboo" Dwelling

Within the macro bamboo structure of the exhibition space lies a more intricate bamboo realm. The weaving of bamboo strips reveals mottled light, and the varying distances of the bamboo forest convey nature’s depth. Walking along the pebble path under the towering bamboo arches, one experiences the different forms of bamboo, accompanied by the play of light and shadow. The space showcases the 2021 inspiration series of Cezar Impression tiles: the “Shadow” series and the “Weave” series.

In 2021, we explored bamboo from multiple perspectives: its natural colors, the lines of bamboo fibers, cross-sections of cut bamboo, the colors of bamboo ash glazes, the shifting images of bamboo forests, the shadow patterns of bamboo leaves, and the textures of bamboo weaving. After experimenting with bamboo materials, handcrafted ceramic textures, and glaze colors, we created these two tile series.

The “Shadow” series of tiles draws inspiration from bamboo forests shrouded in mist after rain. Bamboo poles, both near and far, are blurred into light and shadow by the mist, with hazy images transforming into lines of varying solidity. Through different glossy glazes, these tiles achieve a decorative effect.

The “Weaving” series of tiles features patterns inspired by fundamental two-way and multi-directional weaving techniques. These designs were combined during the creation process to capture the three-dimensional texture of bamboo weaving, sparking a curiosity to touch. The uneven beauty of natural materials imparts a handcrafted quality to the tiles, enhancing the natural connection between people and space.

"Dunhuang Rock Colors"

A bamboo-woven archway leads us into the "cave" of Dunhuang rock colors. In 2021, we initiated a research project on traditional art—exploring Chinese traditional wall art, specifically "Dunhuang Rock Colors." Our approach is to interpret Dunhuang through craft and document it with materials. The beauty of the Mogao Caves relies on the layers and blends of the murals; the weathered, peeling effects caused by time reveal a higher artistic value created by the interaction between humanity and nature.

Our research begins with layers, following the creation sequence of the murals. We simulate each layer of texture in the mural painting process, deconstructing and transforming the unseen textures behind Dunhuang murals into new inspirations.

For the launch of the Dunhuang Rock Color Art Series, we have also designed a set of Rock Color Texture Designer Toolkits. This toolkit includes samples of each tile from the Rock Color Series, a space coordination manual, and a CMF (Color, Material, Finish) material pack. The material pack features a variety of indoor design materials, such as wood grain, stone, metal, and fabrics, allowing designers to freely create and match spatial visual atmospheres.

"Paper Weaving and Radiance"

Paper is an interweaving and layering of fibers, and weaving represents the crossing of these fibers. In the "Paper Weaving and Radiance" display area, the space design utilizes the weaving structure of traditional shelter construction, with the large bamboo structure echoing the small fiber structures. The exhibition integrates materials from the "Chinese Traditional Colors and Textures Research" program—such as fabrics and paper—along with the "Weave," "Fold," and "Wrinkle" series of tiles derived from these materials. This setup thoroughly narrates the transformation process from research and natural inspiration to contemporary design.

PINWU Design has drawn inspiration from traditional bamboo construction and has refined and scaled down the bamboo connection principles to create the "Shelter Cube" design tool.

The tool kit includes bamboo sticks of various sizes and connectors, allowing for the construction of three-dimensional structures through simple connection methods.

The possibilities with the "Shelter Cube" are limitless, as it can take on different forms in each person's hands. Whether it’s conceptualizing imaginative spaces, outlining furniture designs, or creating art installations, the boundary of imagination is the boundary of creativity. Expand your imagination and spark infinite creativity with the "Shelter Cube."

During the exhibition, PINWU supported NABEL Group in hosting the following events:

- Natural Habitat Talk Forum

- Natural "Build" Workshop

- Bamboo Research and Bamboo Weaving Workshop

- Cézanne Impression Inspiration Series and Dunhuang Rock Color Concept New Product Launch

- Dunhuang Rock Color Texture Shaping Experience Workshop