crafted with thatch and gauze, oas/s-nomad installation floats above mongolia's grassland

Public Art Installation OAS/S-NOMAD by Zhide Architecture

Zhide Architectural Design Consulting presents public art installation OAS/S-NOMAD in Laolihai, Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia. The project explores the relationship between past and future, as well as the interaction between nature and human presence. The installation is part of ‘Wu Sheng Qi Di,’ a cultural tourism initiative under the ‘An Zhi Ruo Su’ brand, aimed at revitalizing rural areas in Inner Mongolia. This initiative emphasizes ecological preservation, engagement with local communities, and the use of cultural tourism to support herders through immersive regional experiences.

OAS/S-NOMAD integrates elements of nomadic culture and futuristic design, presenting a structural form that reflects the principles of movement and adaptability. The design employs abstract references to traditional pastoral life through innovative expression of form and material, incorporating flowing structural lines reminiscent of hieroglyphics. These forms establish a connection between early human communication methods and the surrounding grassland landscape. The installation’s placement on the terrain aligns with the patterns of grazing animals, reinforcing its integration with the natural environment.

all images courtesy of Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

OAS/S-NOMAD is crafted with steel, thatch, and white gauze

Material selection and surface treatment allow the structure to blend with the winter grasslands, reinforcing the theme of co-existence within nomadic traditions. For the overall form, designers at Zhide Architectural Design Consulting take inspiration from both avian flight and aerospace structures—symbolizing the intersection of tradition and future exploration. The installation establishes a visual and conceptual dialogue with the ‘Grassland Ark’ located in the nearby village, reinforcing themes of connectivity between land, sky, and community.

From an aerial perspective, OAS/S-NOMAD interacts with the surrounding environment, creating an evolving visual composition that changes with shifting light and seasonal transformations. The project encourages reflection on the connections between nature, technology, and sustainable development, positioning architecture as a medium for exploring the future while maintaining continuity with cultural heritage.

OAS/S-NOMAD by Zhide Architectural Design Consulting merges nomadic culture with futuristic design

the installation explores the dialogue between past traditions and future possibilities

located in Laolihai, Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia, OAS/S-NOMAD integrates with the grassland landscape

the design references movement and adaptability, key principles of nomadic life

surface treatments allow the structure to merge with the winter grasslands

the installation serves as both an artistic expression and an environmental intervention

material choices reinforce the theme of co-existence within nomadic traditions

the installation’s organic form shifts in appearance with changing light and seasons

the structure invites reflection on the relationship between nature, technology, and sustainability

project info:

name: OAS/S-NOMAD

architects: Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd.

area: 40 sqm

location: Benhong Village, Erdong Town, Xinghe County, Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

lead architects: Zhengdong Li, Rubing Bai

client: Wu Sheng Qi Di

construction: Beijing Haiya Building Decoration Engineering Co., Ltd.

photographer: Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd., 魏溦Wei Wei, 青山画报

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom