Endlessness

The public art work "Endlessness" is created for celebrating the 80th anniversary of Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), set on the central square in the West Campus of BFSU. The design concept of this work is inspired by BFSU's mission and spirit - communication, exchange and connection, which are interpreted by the visual and spatial expressions of the installation's form.

In accordance with the intention of the work - to embody BFSU's spirit of communication, exchange and connection, and with consideration into the site, we eventually decided to take oval shape as the spatial prototype.

The middle part of the oval is stretched upwards, forming an arched structure full of tension. The circular shape implies communication, connection and endless cycle, and the arches have a certain connection with the form of bridge, further embodying BFSU's role as a communication bridge for foreign affairs and cultural exchanges.

The circular arched structure defines the installation's exterior image and internal spatial volume. It's not only for appreciation visually, but also provides a participatory and experiential space. The installation becomes a part of the wider spatial environment, and meanwhile shapes its own spatial realm.

To further enhance the work's readability and intimacy, the inner surface is engraved with the daily greeting "Hello" in 101 languages, which echo BFSU's 101 language teaching programs and convey its warm greetings to the world.

The installation is welded from 5mm-thick weathering steel. LED lighting is installed behind the characters, which reveal soft light at night.

Weathering steel is adopted to echo the dark-red tone of the terracotta brick exteriors of the main buildings, so as to build a connection between the installation and its surroundings. Meanwhile, this material creates a magnificent image while also showing a dramatic tension and dynamism.