Atelier Xi

China

This young yet fast-emerging practice was founded in 2017 by Chen Xi, a Chinese architect who now splits his time between Shenzhen and New York. Variety is the name of the game with Xi’s work, as he caters to a range of building typologies. However, there are common threads throughout, notably a sculptural approach that produces buildings akin to art pieces, at once functional, minimalist and dramatic. ‘The studio aspires to create spaces that bring a unique poetry to urban and rural environments,’ says Xi.

‘By planting these quiet and resilient spaces one at a time, we envision architecture to branch out and blossom with life and narratives.’ The studio’s Y House (pictured) is a new home for two photographers outside Shanghai; other works include the award-winning Peach Hut, a pink-hued concrete community centre located in the middle of an orchard in Xiuwu, Henan.