Honorable Mention
Pagoda of Progress and Memory
DESCRIPTION
This photograph depicts the Yingxian Wooden Tower, China’s oldest extant wooden pagoda, constructed in the 11th century. Having withstood wars and bombings, the pagoda’s resilience was compromised when, at the advice of a fengshui ‘expert,’ local authorities removed its reinforced mud walls, leaving it slightly tilted—a poignant reminder of the delicate stewardship of heritage.In the 1980s, a restoration scheme was introduced but never realised due to the structure’s complexity and financial constraints. Priorities in this impoverished region lay with essential infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, alongside plans for tourism development. This vision led to partial relocations; while some residents received new apartments on the town’s periphery, others have waited decades, caught in limbo between hope and frustration.
Over time, the pagoda has become a silent yet profound catalyst of change. For some, it signifies progress and the promise of modernity; for others, it represents upheaval and the erosion of deep-rooted family ties. Today, the residents appear inured to its presence, their turned backs evoking a quiet acceptance, perhaps even a melancholy towards the complex legacy the pagoda has imprinted upon their lives.
As an architectural photographer, I hold that the essence of my craft is to capture the dialogue between a structure and its milieu. My aim is not merely to aestheticise but to document architecture as it lives and breathes within its social, cultural, and historical context. In this image, I seek to portray not only the building itself but also the multifaceted human experiences it embodies, honouring the pagoda as both a guardian of history and an agent of transformation
AUTHOR
Tianzhou Yang (b. 1995) is a distinguished architectural photographer and designer, based in London and Beijing. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Tongji University in Shanghai and a Master of Architecture with distinction from the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London. Tianzhou's work critically explores the relationship between architecture, urbanisation, and social policies, with a focus on documenting the interplay between buildings, environments, and users.Since founding TJAP Studio in 2022, he has established a strong presence in both China and the UK, working on various prestigious projects. His photography has been featured in prominent architectural platforms such as ArchDaily, Dezeen, Designboom, and Archiposition, earning him recognition within the architectural community. His work spans across different continents, capturing architectural marvels in Europe, Asia, and Africa, blending technical precision with artistic vision.
Notably, Tianzhou has worked on significant commissions for renowned architectural firms such as MAD Architects, Atelier Archmixing, Archi-Union, and Gensler, among others. He has also contributed to major exhibitions and cultural events, organising artistic and architectural dialogues. His work on the Long Museum project and other urban documentation projects has attracted attention from international media and critics alike.
With a passion for both photography and architectural theory, Tianzhou’s projects often delve into the conceptual and symbolic aspects of architecture. His recent personal work critiques the overexposure of classic architectural imagery on social media, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the detachment of architecture from its physical context in the digital age.
Tianzhou’s expertise, multicultural perspective, and innovative approach to architectural photography have earned him accolades in the field, making him a significant voice in both architectural and photographic circles.
