Designed by Le Corbusier in 1951, the original ‘Cabanon’ encapsulates the minimalist philosophy of “less is more” within a compact space of 15 m². Faced with the climate crisis and ecological disasters triggered by contemporary consumerism and throwaway lifestyles, we cannot help but reflect: looking to the future, how can we reshape this classic and chart a sustainable blueprint for human habitation?
The “Cabanon 2050” project was conceived to address this challenge. Guided by the vision of “100% circularity, whole-life-cycle zero carbon, and complete energy self-sufficiency,” it deconstructs the living space into two core components: the highly intensive “functional body of necessity” and the customizable, multi-functional “body of personal spiritual freedom.” By integrating photovoltaic power generation, rainwater recycling, organic sewage treatment, and intelligent control systems, it establishes a “human-nature community” capable of operating independently and off the municipal grid.
The Architectural Design & Research Institute of Zhejiang University (UAD) was founded in 1953. It employs over 1,400 staff members, including more than 600 registered professionals of various disciplines. UAD adheres to the philosophy of Balanced Architecture, engaging in in-depth design practices across cultural, educational, healthcare, urban planning and other sectors while advancing sustainable development. With business presence spanning the globe, its projects have won more than 2,000 awards at home and abroad, continuously exploring the boundaries of contemporary architecture.
MEN Ge, MSc. Arch. ETH SIA (Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects), former Chief Architect at the International Design Center, UAD (Zhejiang University Architectural Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd.). MEN Ge has long been committed to addressing urban sustainable development demands through architecture design, and assumed core responsibilities on projects including New Wuhan Library and Tsientang University.
LI Yin, MSc. Arch. ETH SIA (Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects), Chief Architect of Atelier Li Yin, Chief Representative (China & Asia) of ICI (International Climate Innovation), Local Lead Expert for the Sino-Swiss Zero-Emission-Building Project. In his professional practice, LI Yin focuses on the profound integration of architectural design with sustainability consulting. His expertise spans building renovation, urban renewal, low-carbon urban planning, and interior design.
The Planetary Embassy China is our flagship initiative: a pop-up part cultural festival, part intellectual salon, part lively café, where we prototype what we call planetary diplomacy. We ask bold, practical questions like: What if a tree could join climate negotiations? What if rivers, glaciers, or forests had their own delegates? What if international agreements had to be approved not only by nations, but by the ecosystems they affect?
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