Architecture of mist: A sacred scents cultural preservation through a traditional incense hub in the Sasong Village, Tibet

Abstract

At the roof of the world, Tibet reaches toward the sky with a short arm, envi- sioned as a vessel that draws a pro- found connection between the sacred and the earthly realms. The air here is thin and pure, yet vast and bound- less; every breeze carries the whispers of ancient mountains, the soft caress of green meadows, and the silence of endless skies. The mountains offer the cool touch of snow, while the land rises with the sun’s first light, softening into a misty veil as twilight descends. The air is alive—clear, crisp, and fragrant—lad- en with the weight of centuries. If one could imagine every connection to the heavens, every communion with the sacred, and every atmosphere rich with the memory of the land, it would feel as if they were incensed them- selves: infinite and eternal, with the soul brushed by the weightless touch of eternity in the boundless layers of air.Fig 0.6 Opposite Edited Ink Drawing Incense Burner (Author, 2024) An Architecture of Mist for Intervention— this thesis investigates a site in South- east Tibet, the Sasong Village, known as “the village of Sacred Scents and Fog.” Perched on the plateau, the village is steeped in cultural and heritage tradi- tions and is renowned for its high-altitude landscapes and spectacular peach blossoms. While its beauty and cultural significance are celebrated, the region’s ancient incense craftsmanship—deeply rooted in practical rituals—has become endangered, threatening its survival for future generations. This thesis aims to revitalize and reintro- duce this endangered craft into the core of Tibetan culture, restoring local knowledge of Tibet and the attention of the broader world. By considering the needs of the local Tibetans, the unique ecologies, and the ancient craftsman- ship of incense-making, this project uses architecture as a subtle, invisible frame- work. The design leverages transitional spaces to create innovative methodol- ogies, redefining spatial paradigms that honor both tradition and modernity. This architectural approach seeks to ex- plore the “in-betweens”—the interstitial spaces between nature and human in- tervention, between the past and the present, between the monumental and the intimate, and between the imagina- tive and the perceivable. With a deep concern for heritage sites rich in cultural and geological history, protective mea- sures are considered with utmost care. Tibet, an autonomous region long safe- guarded by its remote, high-altitude iso- lation, has nurtured its people with deep rituals and meaningful practices. Yet, to- day, Tibet faces significant challenges, including environmental degradation, cultural erosion, economic disparities, and infrastructural gaps, alongside the delicate balance between tourism de- velopment and cultural preservation. This thesis proposes an Architecture of Mist—a Traditional Incense Hub designed to catalyse architectural intervention, addressing these pressing issues while ensuring that Tibet’s cultural heritage is preserved. The objective is to maintain the ethereal beauty of the landscape while fostering sustainable development for the future. By creating human-scale structures that bridge the surrounding natural environment with thoughtfully im- plemented programs, the project fosters interactions that celebrate and preserve the rich Tibetan incense-making tradition for generations to come. This architec- tural vision aspires to be both a tribute to the past and a promise for the future, ensuring that the cultural essence of Ti- bet continues to thrive amidst the mist.