In September 2020, we first visited the headquarters of Lione Group in Erlang Town. Just after exiting the highway, we were struck by the majestic scenery of the entire Chishui River Valley, its dark hues, and the dramatic changes in terrain. As we crossed the Chishui River, the humid air, laden with the strong aroma of liquor, enveloped us. The combination of humidity and scent seemed to directly connect our bodies to the local terroir. Erlang Town is built along the river, with people making the most of the limited land. Over the years, the entire valley has gradually transformed into a landscape where production and labor are seamlessly integrated.

Our site is located at a road bend, with dilapidated residential buildings hugging the highway, creating a cramped urban space. However, behind these buildings lies a cliff with a height difference of thirty meters, offering an unobstructed view of the river valley. The power of nature is grand and imposing, yet the enduring force of human labor is even more persistent. This interplay is like a sharp black-and-white photograph.

The client wishes to construct a comprehensive building here that includes research and development, testing, a national-level laboratory, and a pilot production area. They also hope that each part can be open to visitors without disrupting the internal operations of the research institute. This adds another dimension to the complexity of the site.

Our design begins with how to enhance the characteristics of this site. We chose to allocate one quarter of the construction land as a public park. This creates a significant setback on the side of the road. It is a risky strategy, but it can present a unique urban landscape: allowing the silent process of liquor making to be openly displayed in a corner of the city. From the planting and harvesting of sorghum, the making of yeast, the nine times of steaming and drying, to the high-temperature distillation, and even the storage and aging processes, all can be opened up to the park. This makes the connection between labor and nature a part of urban life.

To break down the massive volume concentrated together, the park seamlessly integrates with the stepped architecture at its end. The height difference allows entry into the middle level of the building and introduces nine courtyards of varying sizes to improve lighting and ventilation. These courtyards also have a unique purpose. Their alternating presence allows users to experience the transition between indoors and outdoors, thereby perceiving the power of nature—air, humidity, and scent flowing through the spaces.

Pedestrian bridges, flying corridors, and eaves—these traditional architectural forms are presented in a modern way among the hills, creating courtyards while framing the landscape. This allows visitors to unconsciously engage in a dialogue with the seasonal changes of the Chishui River Valley. Architecture is no longer just a form; like fine liquor, it is not merely a mixture of water and alcohol. It attempts to provide more dimensions—allowing people to rediscover the overlooked details of nature and evoke a deep sense of belonging to this land.