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Ching Chi Research And Development
Ching Chi launched its Summer Research Program in 2016, establishing a dedicated R&D team. Rooted in the principles of existential theory, the program is guided by the director, who annually identifies and develops significant topics across two major dimensions: environmental and cultural context. The research outcomes are compiled into comprehensive reports, which serve to inform and shape Ching Chi’s unique practical design approach.
Since the summer of 2016, Ching Chi has brought together university students from both local and international institutions, alongside in-house designers, to inquiry two focal research topics: wind catchers and ecological box. This rigorous, long-term research has yielded preliminary results, which are progressively implemented in practical design projects according to the program’s objectives.
Existential Language | Minimalist Living Space
Our director has been overseeing a residential project in Sanyi, Miaoli, located adjacent to the Tzu Chi Tea Plantation, the April Tung Blossom Trail, and the Sanyi Wood Sculpture Museum. Nestled into the natural landscape, this project integrates seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a unique, multifunctional space that combines art, dining, and living. Designed as a minimalist living space using the design language of existential, it reflects the Ching Chi vision of an ideal lifestyle and is thus named "Triangle house"
In the future, regular intimate gatherings will be held here, offering a space for discussion and sharing on the topics of existential space and lifestyle.
Food
The dining space within Sanyi Secular Retreat draws inspiration from Sahsya Kanetanaka in Tokyo, Japan, designed by photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. This area evolves into an immersive dining experience, where tea and food are complemented by the surrounding environment to offer a holistic culinary experience.
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Arts
Inspired by the renowned Swiss craftsmanship brand Vipp and its floating living spaces, this project merges existential spatial language to create an expanded, land-based vessel-like lightweight space adapted to Taiwan’s climate. The space itself becomes a form of large-scale playful artwork and also includes a miniature display area dedicated to showcasing art pieces.
Environmental Issue
Ching Chi R&D addresses critical contemporary issues surrounding environmental challenges. Though limited in scale, these topics are selected for their necessity and warrant in-depth exploration. Through rigorous research, Ching Chi offers solutions that reflect the responsibility and courage Taiwan’s designers to embody in the face of environmental change.
Environment
Located beside the Tung Blossom Trail in Sanyi, a 40-minute walk uphill leads to the Sanyi Tea Plantation, cultivated without pesticides. Other nearby are the Wood Sculpture Museum and the Tzu Chi Tea Plantation downhill. This site offers an ideal location to experience the blend of Sanyi's art and serene mountain landscapes.
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Residence
Inspired by the bold design of Les Cols Pavilions by the Spanish architectural team RCR, Sanyi Secular Retreat embraces the concept of a compact space that immerses inhabitants in nature, intentionally foregoing modern urban conveniences to expand sensory experiences. Les Cols Pavilions, associated with a Michelin two-star restaurant, influenced Sanyi Secular Retreat's vision to reduce spatial needs and deepen the connection with the surrounding environment.
Culture
Another major focus of Ching Chi lies in cultural issues. While Taiwan's complex historical background has contributed to ongoing political challenges and uncertainties, neither individuals nor nations can avoid confronting their existence and history. Only by addressing and emerging from this understanding can one confidently engage with the world. Thus, we view the exploration, development, and critical examination of culture as an essential responsibility and act of courage for Taiwanese designers.
Research Outcomes
Since the launch of its Summer Research Program in 2016,
Ching Chi has gradually implemented preliminary findings in practical projects as planned.
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2020
Botanical Compendium of Sanyi Secular Retreat
Botanical Compendium of Sanyi Secular Retreat
2020 Ching Chi Summer Work,
This project catalogs Sanyi Secular Retreat's native plant species, showcasing their potential for future cultivation. Each plant specimen will be presented in triangular frames that mirror the site’s unique features, fostering a visual harmony between the plants and their environment and celebrating the authentic beauty of local ecology.
2020
Sanyi Triangle House
2020-Now
During his student years, Director Su Ching-Chi held a simple yet challenging dream: to build his own ideal housing. Today, the world has transformed dramatically, and his vision has evolved to become broader and more profound. What was once a dream of creating a single building has expanded into a pursuit of a beautiful way of living.
Sanyi Triangle House, like a "peanut" rooted deeply in Taiwanese soil, embodies this vision. It is a structure that defines both an interior and an exterior, yet seamlessly feels as if it grew naturally from the land itself, harmonizing with the environment around it.
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2019
The Poetic Design Approach
2019 Ching Chi Summer Workshop
Developed by Ching Chi’s internal research team, this unique experiential spatial design method centers on creating immersive environments tailored to hospitality projects. Through a blend of photography, 3D visualization, models, sound, light, shadow, and poetry, the approach transforms each space into a narrative—a "poetic design method" that invites viewers to experience space as both art and story.
2017
Ching Chi Color Palette
2017 Ching Chi Summer Workshop
Starting from the perspectives of the members of the installation and design department, we collaboratively explore the colors that belong to Taiwan's cultural environment. Grounded in the collective feelings derived from local culture, we have developed the " Ching Chi Color Palette."
2016
Plant Cultivation Box
2016 Ching Chi Summer Workshop
To address the issue of limited plant-friendly environments within urban buildings in Taiwan, our research team, project staff, and French interns collaborated to design a plant cultivation box. This innovative solution enables plants to thrive indoors while providing fresh air and the therapeutic benefits of nature.
2016
Wind Collector
2016 Ching Chi Summer Workshop
In collaboration with R&D personnel, project staff, and interns, we jointly researched and developed an artistic-shaped natural ventilation installation for modern architecture in Taiwan. This device could provide fresh air and cooling in large glass curtain wall spaces.
Ching Chi is always looking for innovative cooperation opportunities and welcomes like-minded partners to join us.
Whether you come from art, architecture, technology or other fields, we believe that cross-border collaboration can inspire unlimited creativity and open up new design possibilities.
If you are interested in collaboration or would like to discuss a joint development project, please feel free to contact us.
We look forward to sharing inspiration with you and working together to create unique and influential works, pushing the boundaries of design.
Welcome to contact us
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