Arts Thread

In Beijing's abandoned, soon-to-be-demolished hutongs, a dual “Chinese utopia” emerges. In the physical world, the project proposes an "occupiable framework" strategy for the homeless day labourers. By granting them autonomy to build, using collected materials to continuously reshape abandoned spaces, they gain identity and belonging. In the virtual world, online players collaboratively collect nostalgic objects to construct a surreal dreamcore museum. This collective act serves as both self-healing and romanticised resistance - escaping into virtual dreams to resist harsh realities. Through “accumulation”, the project bridges both physical and virtual worlds, examining belonging and identity reconstruction. Whether through physical construction or virtual co-creation, it reflects “cruel optimism” - persisting in hope despite adversity. Ultimately, this hybrid space becomes a shared shelter for societal outcasts and digital nomads.