What happens when a designer from the United States falls in love with China’s Great Wall? For Jim Spear, it sparked a 40-year adventure that turned abandoned buildings into vibrant cultural spaces. 🌟
Inspired during former U.S. President Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China, Jim dreamed of living beneath the iconic landmark. By 1994, he’d made it happen—snagging a house in Mutianyu Village, Beijing. But he didn’t stop there. 🛠️
Jim transformed a rundown school into a restaurant, art studio, and gallery, then revamped an old tile factory into a boutique hotel in 2006. Think of it as a real-life Minecraft project—but with more history and fewer pixels. 🎨🏨
Why? For Jim, it’s about blending design with community. His work preserves cultural heritage while creating spaces that 'tell stories,' like a vibe straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. 🏞️✨
Want the full scoop? Check out the video below to see how Jim’s vision bridges cultures—one brick at a time. 🎥
