Heman Xia

Originally from Shenzhen, China. I am an interior designer with a passion for Architecture, Spatial Narrative, and the Social Environment.

Prior to my time at the RCA, I studied Interior Design at the University of Arts London(UAL), Chelsea College of Arts & Design with a major in BA Interior & Spatial Design (2014-2017). It is my credo to be curious about everything that is unknown. Constantly challenging different areas and trying new things is my way of learning.

After graduating, I worked as an interior designer, including commercial spaces, personal residences and commercial showroom, in addition to architectural and engineering work experience. This provides an understanding of the influence of new technologies for interior design. I like to find a balance between innovation and tradition in one space, so that each space has its own unique story. Buildings and spaces are alive and dynamic. The communication between human and space begins when we stay in the space.

Exhibition & Award:

The second prize of "Mind the Gap" project, Heathrow Express and Chelsea College 2016, London

"Democratic Seat", Kortrijk Design Week 2019, Kortrijk, Belgium

"John Hejduk: London Masque / Transitions display", Royal Academy of Arts 2022, London

The future, near and far.

People destroy the environment to develop the economy, and use the economy to create technology, finally, the environment may be completely destroyed and technology will completely replace human beings. Is this really the future that human beings wish to see?

With the constant quest for high technology, people seem to have forgotten the essence of human nature. Technology is flexible and precise; artefacts are materially romantic and wonderful. They are not supposed to replace each other, but to appreciate and heal and benefit each other.

In 2095, the sea level has risen by 3.5m and some of London has been submerged, people's use of space has had to start move on and underwater or to higher altitudes. In addition, papers and manuscripts of historical artefacts, which are customarily kept in the basements of museums, will be put to a great test by being submerged, torn apart and lost.

Manuscripts record history on paper; even a tiny bit of ink on paper can represent the culture of an era. That is why saving these manuscripts has become crucial in this future, bringing people back from a digital future to remember the era of physical artefacts and the written word.

“What if words are disappearing and lost?”

You will find the answer and know everything in this film. Please prepare a cup of tea and then watch it, enjoy.

Medium:

Film

Size:

14'53''

In 2095, one of the most urgent environmental problems we are now facing is global warming. As a result, the melting of icebergs has caused the sea level in London rise to 3.5m. Also,due to its flat topography and its specific location on both sides of the Thames, inevitably, London has been flooded. Another urgent social problem we are facing is our increasing reliance on technological products.

For the Manuscript, recovery treatments can be offered to the damaged manuscripts here. And for those which can no longer be repaired, they will be recycled and made into new paper. For humans, feeling the slowness of the repairing process of manuscripts offer the visitors a temporal escape from the fast-paced life. Getting away from electronics and feeling the enjoyment of writing and reading once again.

Medium:

GIF

Size:

1920px*1080px

AXO Drawing – The new structure is the main transit in the building structure; it allows all manuscripts and visitors access to the other area of the building.

Section Drawing – All manuscripts will go through an automated system to each area in order.

Medium:

GIF

Size:

1920px*1080px

Drones Tower (Vision Image)

Drones Tower (Drones Lot) – Each lot of drones and volars is charged and when they return to their lot, lights come on to show that they are being charged. All electricity is generated through sea water.

Cleaning Area (Vision Image)

Cleaning Area (Automatic Cleaning System) – The system will select the most suitable way for them according to each of their original condition. All the water is filtered through sea water. When the cleaning process is finished, the cleaning system moves down or up.

Repairing Area (Vision Image)

Repairing Area (Manuscripts Transport System) – In order to keep the manuscripts intact, the manuscripts that are repaired are framed in a specific frame, with pulley and grooves designed to allow them to travel the whole building smoothly.

Experiencing Area (Vision Image)

Drying Area (Drying Shelf) – Each shelf slowly rotating and equipped with a sterilised drying lamp.

Preserving Area (Vision Image)

Preserving Area (Automation System) – There are two types of shelves, one for books and one for paper, each with a handle for the robotic arm to grasp.

Medium:

GIF

Size:

1920px*1080px

This is the Neverland of Manuscripts. In the process of pursuing higher technology, people seems to neglect the essence of human nature. Technology is flexible and precise; artefacts are materially romantic and wonderful. They are not supposed to replace each other, but to appreciate and heal and benefit each other.

Medium:

PDF

Size:

1920px*1080px

Heman Xia

Medium:

Size:

Medium:

Size:

Medium:

Size:

Medium:

Size:

Medium:

Size:

Social

About

Royal College of Art