Suzhou, a city in China’s Jiangsu province, is home to one of the oldest known canal systems, the Grand Canal, dating back to 500 BC. This makes the Yangtze River the city's primary structuring force, as it cuts through its streets and neighborhoods. Suzhou: Water and Architecture explores how water and stone form the rhythm of the city's ancient and modern identity. Visitors to this online exhibition will be guided through a visual tour of Suzhou’s built environment and learn about its unique development.
Drawing on a linear sequence of historic and contemporary built forms, public and domestic dwellings will be the main points of interest in the gallery pages. More specifically, the focus will be on canals, gardens, bridges, and similar structures. These ancient, sceneric sites are often overlooked globally despite their highly praised aesthetics and rich history. Hence why viewers are welcomed to browser freely through Suzhou's harmonious blend of waterscapes and human ingenuity. All of which has been detailed in a immersive experience made accessible through interactive maps and poetic storytelling.
Credits
Sultana Rahim