The public artwork titled “Endless” was created to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Beijing Foreign Studies University and is prominently placed in the central square of the university’s west campus. Since its founding, BFSU has cultivated a vast number of highly skilled foreign affairs professionals. Notably, over 400 alumni have served as ambassadors abroad, and more than 2,000 as counselors, earning BFSU the esteemed title of the “cradle of diplomats of the Republic.”
The concept behind this artwork is rooted in the university’s core spirit and mission: communication, exchange, and connection. The piece visually and spatially embodies these three principles.
Site Analysis
The artwork is situated within a rectangular green leisure square, bordered by the west campus gate and three main academic buildings: the Foreign Building, the German Building, and the Domestic Building. It occupies the westernmost edge of this square.
During on-site evaluation, it was observed that the West Campus entrance and the Domestic Building, which faces west, are not perfectly aligned; there is a lateral offset of several meters, creating two separate east-west axes. This misalignment can cause spatial disorientation for visitors, as the main academic building appears off-center.
△ Site analysis © Field Creation Studio
This challenge directly influenced the fundamental form of the artwork. A vertical design would emphasize this spatial displacement, whereas a horizontal form can soften the dual axes, creating a visual focus and spatial alignment within the environment.
Form Development and Creative Expression
The basic form of the artwork was determined by analyzing and optimizing the spatial context. To further express the spirit of communication, exchange, and connection at BFSU, an elliptical shape was selected as the primary spatial prototype.
△ Volume research © Field Creation Studio
△ 3D texture generation © Field Creation Studio
By stretching and undulating ellipses in space, the design forms a tensioned circular arch structure. This ring symbolizes communication, connection, and an infinite loop. Its arch shape also evokes the form of a bridge, mirroring BFSU’s role as a bridge for international communication and cultural exchange.
△ Shape generation © Field Creation Studio
△ Structure and skin optimization © Field Creation Studio
The circular arch provides both an external visual identity and an internal spatial environment. This installation invites not only observation but also participation and interaction, becoming an integral part of the campus atmosphere while creating its own distinct spatial field.
To enhance the artwork’s accessibility and warmth, the word “Hello” is engraved in 101 languages across its surface. This reflects all the language majors taught at BFSU and symbolizes the university’s welcoming spirit towards the global community.
△ Text alignment details © Field Creation Studio
Materials and Technology
The sculpture is fabricated from 5mm thick weather-resistant steel plates, expertly welded together. LED lighting outlines the engraved text, casting a gentle warm glow during nighttime.
The choice of weathering steel harmonizes with the dark red ceramic tiles of the main school building’s exterior, establishing a visual connection between the installation and its surroundings. This material also reflects the dynamic yet dignified spirit of the artwork.
From a technical standpoint, engraving the text on the inner surface represented the most challenging aspect of production. It required seamless collaboration between digital 3D modeling and manual craftsmanship to faithfully achieve the intended effect. The inclusion of 101 different greetings ties the artwork deeply to the university’s language programs and imbues the piece with warmth and approachability.
△ Plan and elevation views © Field Creation Studio
Project Information
Title: Endless
Artist: Hu Quanchun
Institution: Sculpture Department, Central Academy of Fine Arts
Creative Execution: Field Creation Studio
Execution Team: Yuan Hang, Xiang Yu, Chen Songlin
Art Director: Zhang Wei (Professor, Sculpture Department, Central Academy of Fine Arts)
Technical Advisor: Mao Qinghu
Production Company: Beijing Jingzhi Culture and Art Co., Ltd
Location: Beijing Foreign Studies University, West Campus
Client: Beijing Foreign Studies University
Dimensions: 12 m x 4.5 m x 4.8 m
Materials: Weather-resistant steel, LED lighting
Design Period: March 2021
Construction Period: September 2021
Photography: Jin Weiqi
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