Public Art Installation OAS/S-NOMAD by Zhide Architecture
Zhide Architectural Design Consulting presents public art installation OAS/S-NOMAD in Laolihai, Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia. The project explores the relationship between past and future, as well as the interaction between nature and human presence. The installation is part of ‘Wu Sheng Qi Di,’ a cultural tourism initiative under the ‘An Zhi Ruo Su’ brand, aimed at revitalizing rural areas in Inner Mongolia. This initiative emphasizes ecological preservation, engagement with local communities, and the use of cultural tourism to support herders through immersive regional experiences.
OAS/S-NOMAD integrates elements of nomadic culture and futuristic design, presenting a structural form that reflects the principles of movement and adaptability. The design employs abstract references to traditional pastoral life through innovative expression of form and material, incorporating flowing structural lines reminiscent of hieroglyphics. These forms establish a connection between early human communication methods and the surrounding grassland landscape. The installation’s placement on the terrain aligns with the patterns of grazing animals, reinforcing its integration with the natural environment.
all images courtesy of Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
OAS/S-NOMAD is crafted with steel, thatch, and white gauze
Material selection and surface treatment allow the structure to blend with the winter grasslands, reinforcing the theme of co-existence within nomadic traditions. For the overall form, designers at Zhide Architectural Design Consulting take inspiration from both avian flight and aerospace structures—symbolizing the intersection of tradition and future exploration. The installation establishes a visual and conceptual dialogue with the ‘Grassland Ark’ located in the nearby village, reinforcing themes of connectivity between land, sky, and community.
From an aerial perspective, OAS/S-NOMAD interacts with the surrounding environment, creating an evolving visual composition that changes with shifting light and seasonal transformations. The project encourages reflection on the connections between nature, technology, and sustainable development, positioning architecture as a medium for exploring the future while maintaining continuity with cultural heritage.
OAS/S-NOMAD by Zhide Architectural Design Consulting merges nomadic culture with futuristic design
the installation explores the dialogue between past traditions and future possibilities
located in Laolihai, Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, OAS/S-NOMAD integrates with the grassland landscape
the design references movement and adaptability, key principles of nomadic life
surface treatments allow the structure to merge with the winter grasslands
