Form, space and spiritual enrichment: a Chinese Community Center in Des Moines

The purpose of this project is to express how architectural space can enrich people\u27s lives and lift their spirits. More and more Chinese students study in the United States. In some cases, they feel lonely and isolated in such an unfamiliar situation. Psychological problems often develop when people are working under extreme pressure and experiencing spiritual loneliness. These problems are more serious in small towns in the Midwestern region of the United States. To accommodate the social and psychological needs of the Chinese community in Iowa, a Chinese Community Center was designed in Des Moines. The author study the psychological problems of Chinese students and scholars in the United States and then design traditional Chinese spaces to provide comfort and to help them enrich their spirits. The design is based on traditional Chinese architectural concepts and modern form. The center creates harmony between architecture and the environment; it will also be an interesting building to compare to and incorporate with the Des Moines Art Center