For Tony Chi, “hospitality” is the core of his passion for research and design, deeply influencing his career. In February, we had the honor of inviting Mr. Chi to host an online course centered on “hospitality,” using his design projects as examples to explore how this concept has guided him throughout his journey.

The term “hospitality” originates from Latin, meaning a visitor or stranger. In China, it refers to entertaining guests with the best experience, food, and warm emotions. Ultimately, hospitality aims to express pure passion. In his course, Mr. Chi defined “hospitality” in two main aspects: one artistic and emotional, representing the soul behind his design, and the other scientific and rational, focusing on the methods and approaches in design.

Mr. Chi explained that the artistic side of hospitality requires pure love and enthusiasm, but also a natural, harmonious integration with daily life. Hospitality, as he views it, is a tradition, an art form, and an inherent part of human interaction. It also extends to how humans relate to nature, with both nature and man-made spaces expressing hospitality in different ways. The essence of hospitality design, according to Mr. Chi, lies in preserving the necessary elements of daily life, much like a gentle breeze, creating a soothing experience that connects with the heart.