At 1:20 pm on 11 November 2024, the International Institute of Creative Design (IICD) of Shanghai University of Engineering Science (SUES) invited Mr Liu Guangye, General Manager of Xinxī Architecture (hereinafter referred to as Mr Liu), to deliver a lecture titled An Exploration Journey into Colours of Cultural Space in Room 912 of the Industry-Education Integration Building at Changning Campus. This lecture was part of the university's Industry Experts into the Classroom event series, conducted in conjunction with the Design Colour course, aiming to help students gain a deeper understanding of the core concepts and practical applications of cultural space design and colour.
During the lecture, Mr Liu drew upon his extensive experience in cultural space design to explain the pivotal role colour plays in spatial design. He emphasised that colour goes beyond visual elements, acting also as an essential medium for emotional expression and cultural communication. His design philosophy— Cultivating design, appreciating culture, and comprehending life—was consistently reflected throughout the session, highlighting that design should not only meet functional requirements, but also embody social and cultural values, infusing projects with emotional warmth and cultural depth.
Through several practical examples, Mr Liu illustrated in detail how colours can evoke emotions within spaces. For example, the Cloud Time project integrated modern design seamlessly with local culture, delivering a unique user experience; Jiaxing Book City, inspired by rippling waves, created a gentle reading atmosphere; and Fenghu Academy utilised colour and landscape design to evoke a tranquil feeling akin to clear skies after rain. Mr Liu stressed that colour design must align with spatial themes, utilising colour to create distinctive atmospheres and enhance user experiences.
During the interactive session, students raised numerous questions on colour application, functional planning, and design styles. Mr Liu patiently answered each question in detail, combining his insights with industry trends and offering practical advice. He pointed out that designers should maintain a comprehensive perspective, pay attention to continuity and responsiveness in colour design, and use contrasts and tonal variations to guide viewers' attention and emphasise focal points, ultimately achieving harmonious spatial experiences. He also encouraged students to broaden their international outlook while deepening their understanding of local culture, integrating traditional culture with contemporary design to establish their own distinctive style.
The lecture concluded successfully with enthusiastic applause from the audience. Through Mr Liu's sharing, students not only gained valuable professional knowledge about colour design but also deepened their understanding of cultural space design, providing them with profound insights for their future career development.
