Gan Weiwei is a Chinese landscape architect and the founder of Chengdu MaiWei Landscape Architecture Studio (MWLA), established in 2020. Based in Chengdu, Gan leads a practice known for its emotionally resonant landscapes that fuse theoretical rigor with poetic sensitivity. With professional experience both in China and abroad, Gan has positioned MWLA at the intersection of ecological mindfulness, social engagement, and spatial storytelling.
Gan’s design ethos centers on what he defines as the “emotional landscape”—spaces that speak not only to environmental logic but also to human feeling. At MWLA, he emphasizes rational analysis and site-specific research while crafting sustainable, warm, and contextually grounded environments. The studio’s projects explore the relational dynamics between people, place, and time, seeking to establish moments of subtle connection through texture, scale, and material restraint.
Notable works such as Luxelakes C7 South Golden Bay Model Island exemplify Gan Weiwei’s commitment to a light-touch approach, where boundaries dissolve into layered transitions and the architecture of nature leads the experience. Under Gan’s direction, MWLA continues to challenge conventional modes of landscape practice, shaping a body of work that is as intellectually robust as it is emotionally affecting.
What inspires you?
Nature itself is my greatest inspiration—its unpredictability, quiet strength, and profound wisdom. I’m equally moved by the emotional connections people form with space. To me, design should resonate not just visually but more importantly, emotionally.
What inspired you to become a landscape architect?
My love for art naturally led me to design. I’ve always been fascinated by expressive forms. Landscape architecture became the perfect fusion of art, spatial logic, and nature—a continuation of that passion.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
We build our design methods on solid theory, creatively resolving contradictions and complexities within each site. At the same time, we prioritize emotional value—crafting warm, meaningful, and sustainable spaces. Our goal is to use the landscape as a language to explore the connection between humans and nature.
What is your favorite project?
For me, it’s always the next one! But if I had to choose, Luxelakes C7 stands out. It taught me how design can transform spatial experiences and spark a genuine bond between people and nature.
What is your favorite detail?
I’m drawn to subtle details that connect architecture and nature. At Luxelakes C7, we created fluid boundaries—paths and courtyards merging seamlessly without forced transitions, forming gentle, layered shifts in space.
Do you have a favorite material?
Natural materials like warm timber and raw stone resonate with me. They adapt effortlessly to any setting, age gracefully, and carry authentic textures. Each piece tells its own story through its grain—just like every project we design.
What is your process for starting a new project?
We avoid rigid formulas. Instead, we begin by asking: “What can this place become?” Then we study the site’s unique tensions, explore its context, and develop tailored strategies. Ultimately, we aim to connect people’s emotions with the rhythm of daily life through our design.
How do you fuel your creativity?
By nurturing curiosity—traveling, sketching, revisiting past work, and exchanging ideas with our team. Most importantly, I observe the world without filters. Often, the most beautiful inspiration hides in quiet, unexpected moments.
What inspired Luxelakes C7?
The concept “Over the Wilderness” guided us. We took a light-touch approach, honoring the city’s spirit and preserving its native ecology. With restrained design language, we minimized artificial elements, avoided unnecessary forms, and returned to a philosophy rooted in nature’s authenticity.
How did materiality shape Luxelakes C7?
Materials grounded the design in nature. Terrazzo and slate set a clean, modern tone, while black gravel and rugged stone add raw texture. Every detail—from stone size to tree placement—was refined to achieve the effortless harmony.
How did the public embrace Luxelakes C7?
People embraced it organically. Our post-occupancy study showed they truly had inhabited the space—not as a “landmark,” but as part of daily life, such as walking dogs, playing with children. That everyday use is the highest compliment to our work.
What advice would you give to young architects?
Stay true to your values. The industry evolves, but authenticity always resonates. And never lose your sense of wonder—observing the world deeply is a designer’s most vital skill.
