In 2018, as part of the Li Hongzhang Memorial Hall Conservation and Exhibition Project, the Nanjing Cultural Heritage Department discovered the remnants of a lotus pond, believed to be constructed during the Republic of China era, while refurbishing the western garden. The design team was commissioned to achieve three objectives after surveying the site: to protect, display, and enhance the experiential value of the ruins.The design strategy involved placing a "steel basin" within the ruins to protect the pool walls while comprehensively showcasing the materials and techniques used in the original construction, and simultaneously restoring the pond to its former glory filled with blooming lotuses, enriching the interactive experience of the site, respecting the historical context of the ruins.
