Hang Chen

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Hang Chen ("HC") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

HC : I’m a national registered urban and rural planner, landscape engineer, and outstanding interior designer in Guangdong Province, China. In my past design work, I have served as the project leader of Turenscape, the creative design director of SWPD, and the planning and design director of Shenzhen Kaichuang Architectural Design Co., Ltd. My clients include Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen, Poly Development Holding Group Co., Ltd., Handan Fuxing City and Transportation Construction Investment Co., and Qiubei County Xingyu Urbanisation Investment and Development Co., etc.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

HC : Urban & Rural Planning, Architecture and Landscape Design.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

HC : The standard I judge a good design is that it creatively solves the corresponding problems, such as being suitable for users, creating social value, having an impact on promoting social development, and having a beautiful and fashionable appearance.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

HC : I believe that good design is important for creating an ideal living environment, which can make people's lives better.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

HC : My biggest design work is City Fields Complex Functional Urban Area. I started from the original value of the city, respecting the characteristics of itself, and integrated the elements of mountain, water and fields into the urban design of the high-speed railway station area, creating a charming place where people can intuitively perceive the characteristics of the city as soon as they come out of the high-speed railway station. Some people only see the city in terms of monetary value, but I tried to make them understand the value of the city from multiple perspectives, such as ecology, economy, culture and urban vitality, and finally got the approval. It is a monumental and comprehensive project, and I will continue to improve myself to maximize the comprehensive value of the design practice with "smart construction" as the guide.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

HC : I think my biggest supporters are my clients. I see them as partners.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

HC : My ultimate goal as a designer is to create an ideal living environment, to promote the benign development of cities and to pay attention to the fairness of existence beyond human beings.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

HC : Design is evolving towards the field of maximizing integrated value. The future of design must consider not one-sided value, but a better life and a more livable environment through integrated means.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HC : The best design work is always the next one.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

HC : It is a tool to achieve a purpose.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

HC : By skillfully integrating color, materials, and ambient factors, designers can create harmonious and immersive experiences that align with the intended purpose and evoke desired emotions. The interplay between these elements enables the design to communicate effectively, enhance functionality, and create a unique identity.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

HC : During a community meeting to discuss a new urban development project, I found myself in a comical situation. As the lead architect, I was presenting the proposed design to a room full of passionate residents. They had diverse opinions and were eager to share their thoughts. As I began explaining the design, one particularly enthusiastic individual raised their hand with great enthusiasm. Assuming they had a question, I called on them, only to be met with a sudden burst of enthusiasm. They leaped out of their chair, shouting, "I love it! This is going to be amazing!" and started clapping vigorously. The room fell into an awkward silence as everyone turned to look at this unexpected outburst. Trying to maintain composure, I thanked the individual for their enthusiasm, but asked if they had any specific questions or concerns. To my surprise, they simply replied, "Nope, just wanted to let you know how excited I am!" and continued clapping. The room erupted in laughter, breaking the tension, and soon everyone was joining in on the applause. Though it was an unusual moment, it brought a lighthearted atmosphere to the meeting. It also served as a reminder of the impact that design can have on people's emotions and the importance of engaging with the community in a meaningful way.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

HC : In the distant future, a thousand years from now, the world will be a wondrous place of awe and marvels! Picture a world where technology has advanced beyond our wildest dreams, where flying cars zoom through the skies like colorful birds, and buildings soar into the clouds, defying gravity with their magnificent designs. In this future, environmental consciousness will be at the heart of everything we do. Cities will be adorned with breathtaking green spaces, where towering trees intertwine with skyscrapers, creating an urban jungle like no other. We'll have found ingenious ways to harness renewable energy, with buildings covered in shimmering solar panels and sleek wind turbines gracefully spinning in the breeze.