Y.ad Studio's Ink Wash Pool Revives Historic Calligraphy Site

Y.ad Studio has completed the Ink Wash Pool (Xi Mo Chi) intervention in an undisclosed location, transforming a historic site associated with Eastern Jin Dynasty calligrapher Wang Xizhi into a contemporary public cultural space. The project, totaling approximately 790 square meters across two floors, reconfigures the spatial layout around the historic pool and a thousand-year-old camphor tree. Rather than restoring the site to its original state or imposing disconnected contemporary forms, the design seeks a middle path that preserves the site's spiritual essence—tranquility, introspection, and sobriety. The ground floor features a circular corridor that serves as both circulation and open viewing space, placing the historic pool and ancient tree at the center of the visitor experience. The underground level houses a multifunctional hall and exhibition space for events and gatherings. The project uses exposed concrete as the primary material: dark gray bush-hammered concrete on the exterior to harmonize with the natural surroundings, and light-toned exposed concrete with wood formwork imprints inside for warmth. The design intentionally avoids decorative or imitation historical materials, emphasizing material authenticity that will weather over time. The architecture adopts a discreet presence, allowing the ancient tree, historic site, and human movement to take center stage.