Guided by Light: Destiny Wedding Office's Sculptural Journey of Hope and Attraction

Destiny Wedding Office is notable for its contemporary Chinese design, which skillfully incorporates light and gravity as aesthetic and symbolic elements. The project, led by GODOT DESIGN, redefines spatial storytelling focusing on attraction, connection, and emotional resonance. It represents a forward-thinking interpretation of architecture that goes beyond mere function, embodying the essence of modern Chinese design by blending abstract concepts with tangible forms to create environments that inspire and enhance experiences.

As you step into the space, the converging walls guide your gaze to a skylight, creating a serene canyon-like impression. This narrow 'strip of skylight' not only enhances the space's height but also introduces a soft, textured surface that feels both natural and intentional. As visitors transition from the outdoor public area, the ambiance shifts to a more tranquil, meditative state, fostering a sense of calm and relaxation. A strip of light embedded in the floor acts as the space's centrepiece, maintaining a harmonious visual balance and guiding visitors through this journey of light.

The reception hall's design ingeniously harnesses the concept of gravity as a force that unites, mirroring how the Destiny Wedding brand draws couples for their significant life events. The ceiling appears to be pulled downward, evoking a sense of dynamic energy and attraction. Below it, a reception desk with a texture reminiscent of travertine is strategically positioned, allowing the gravitational force above to be the room's focal point. A half-height light wall behind the desk completes the spatial energy, serving as a backdrop that accentuates the attraction.

The office's layout is defined by an arched, trumpet-shaped wall that creates a smooth flow. A glass partition adds light and transparency, blurring the line between virtuality and reality. The office cleverly uses upper and lower tiers to maximize space. To address variations in floor height, a cylindrical element runs through the corridor, creating a "channel within a channel" while maintaining a seamless exterior facade. An opening at the top allows for vertical interaction between the floors, enhancing the sense of openness.

The design features a suspended acrylic triangular cone mirrored on the ceiling, serving as the focal point of the passage. By day, it reflects the cityscape, while it transforms into a glowing starburst at night. Illuminated by soft lighting, it symbolizes the essence of thea Destiny Wedding brand—a guiding light of hope and connection for couples embarking on the most romantic journey. Through this space, light defines form and embodies the promise of a shared future.

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Office & Commercial Division

Touch Tea: A New Poetic Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernism

In today's urban landscape, the design of spaces reflects the cultural shift where the youth are increasingly drawn to fast-paced lifestyles and vibrant social environments. Touch Tea, designed by Touch Design, is a modern tea house that offers a refreshing response to this dynamic. Unlike traditional teahouses with elaborate and overly formal atmospheres, Touch Tea stands out with its unique blend of minimalism and an innovative approach to the ritual of tea drinking. It delicately balances honouring the tea tradition with embracing the vitality of modern life, creating a space that resonates with both the past and the future.

Touch Tea redefines the act of "savouring tea," creating a space where the experience becomes a dialogue between past and future, tranquillity and vibrancy. Its architectural design moves beyond form, creating a fluid interaction of purpose and aesthetics. The designers have reimagined how people engage with the space and the culture, infusing the experience of tea drinking with fresh meaning that resonates with a younger, more progressive audience.

The Touch Tea design philosophy is a poetic approach to life, emphasizing harmony over the trivialities of the city. The space is a harmonious environment with washable stones, stainless steel, and red brick, striking an elegant balance between simplicity and sophistication. It invites visitors to slow down and connect with the art of tea, reflecting a precise understanding of life's textures. It offers a sanctuary where rituals unfold naturally, enhanced by the surrounding ambiance, providing a calm and relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Technology plays an understated but essential role in shaping the environment at Touch Tea. Intelligent curtains and lighting systems adapt to patrons' moods, adjusting the indoor lighting to match the shifting tone of the day. A 6-meter by 3-meter P2.0 full-color LED panel and BOSE surround sound system work together to create an immersive, sensory experience, soothing the mind and creating a serene atmosphere. These elements amplify the calming essence of the space, allowing guests to find respite from the noise of the outside world.

Touch Tea is more than just a teahouse; it's a vibrant social space that fosters simple connection and engagement. Its open, cubist-inspired layout breaks down barriers, creating a flexible space where people can meet, share, and engage in conversations. The design's contemporary yet thoughtful approach makes it an ideal setting for the evolving needs of the young generation—whether for socializing, contemplation or simply enjoying tea.

Touch Tea's identity is centred around the TOCOO Doku IP image, symbolizing youth and individuality. This emblem represents modern aesthetics and the brand's innovative spirit. The space itself is an artistic statement, blending avant-garde design with vitality and connecting art, architecture, and culture, but it also is a testament to the evolving relationship between architectural form and urban living. It brings together new materials, technologies, and design philosophies to reflect the needs of a generation that values tradition and forward-thinking innovation. Through its seamless fusion of architectural elements, Touch Tea creates a space that captures today's youth's anti-structure, anti-boredom, and anti-static mindset, offering a thoughtful escape amid the city's constant activity.

For more information, please visit: http://www.tj-touch.com

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Restaurant & Clubs Division

History Meets Innovation: Dayi Design’s Vision for Preserving the Past in a Modern Era

The "History is the Future" project by Dayi Design is located at 777 Huashan Road in Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province. It is an exceptional example of integrating cultural preservation with modern innovation. Completed in May 2022 for Jinlu Tobacco and Wine, this 450-square-meter space reimagines the former site of Liu Yong University, revitalizing a historical setting while boldly embracing the future.

The design of the 'History is the Future' project by Dayi Design is a testament to our innovative use of materials. The design team have carefully selected a mix of materials, including glass steel grating, stainless steel, acrylic, and glass, to embody our philosophy of blending the past and future. The original wooden doors, preserved from the original structure and encased in acrylic panels, symbolize this fusion. The contrast between the modern acrylic and the warmth of the wood creates a visually compelling story that pays homage to tradition while embracing innovation. The salvaged doors, now a transparent screen, bring a sense of historical depth to the space, while the acrylic adds a futuristic, otherworldly touch.

The project includes modern technological elements like laser lights and digital projections. Rather than following the typical cyberpunk theme of destruction, Dayi Design uses these elements to create a sense of optimism and vitality. This is especially important in a post-pandemic world, where spaces should inspire hope and reflect better expectations for the future.

Natural light is also vital to the design. Strategically placed skylights fill the space with sunlight, highlighting the delicate balance between modernity and nature. The interaction of light, materials, and technology creates a harmonious, fluid environment where the past and future coexist.

Dayi Design's thoughtful reuse of materials in the 'History is the Future' project demonstrates a sustainable approach to architectural practice. By salvaging the original doors, the design not only preserves the site's memory but also aligns with environmentally conscious principles, ensuring that the space remains adaptable for the future. The combination of materials such as acrylic, stainless steel, and glass further enhances the adaptability and longevity of the design, providing reassurance about its long-term sustainability.

By creatively reinterpreting traditional Chinese architectural forms using modern materials and incorporating futuristic lighting elements, "History is the Future" boldly describes the merging of heritage and progress. It demonstrates Dayi Design's ability to create spaces that honour the past while anticipating the future's changing needs.

Commissioned for Jinlu Tobacco and Wine, 'History is the Future' embodies a forward-thinking approach to time and design. Cultural heritage and modern aesthetics intersect to create a unique, functional, and evocative space. This project showcases how architecture can transcend time constraints, crafting spaces that resonate with historical significance and contemporary relevance, inspiring all who experience it with its timeless design.

Chief Designer: Zhou Yi, Chang Jingliang

Project Name: History is the future

Location: 777 Huashan Road, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province

Design Company: Dayi Design

Chief Designer: Zhou Yi, Chang Jingliang

Assistant Designer: Chen Shiyi, Guo Zihao, Meng Linghui

Area: 450㎡

Completion time: May 2022

Main Materials: Glass steel grating, stainless steel, acrylic, glass

Client Name: Jinlu Tobacco and Wine

Photographer: ingallery- the jungle

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Commercial and Office Division

Urban Landscape: A Street Corner Blooming with Scientific Dreams

The High-Tech Quantum Pocket Park.

There is a revitalized space in the High-Tech Zone between Nankai Jingyang Elementary School and Chunmiao Kindergarten that combines innovation, nature, and community. Situated on the busy Higher Education Mega Center East Road, this previously unremarkable street corner, which spans approximately 800m², has become a lively hub of scientific exploration and community engagement. The area used to be filled with boring tree planters and uninteresting landscaping, making it hard for people to move around and not very inviting. Despite being in a great location, it was ignored and unused.

The new design has transformed the space into an exciting public area that meets the community's needs. The park now serves as a peaceful place for parents to wait for their kids, a convenient walkway for pedestrians, and an interactive playground for children to play and learn.

A High-Tech Haven: Quantum Science Meets Play

The park is inspired by high-tech innovation and focuses on the theme of "Quantum Science." It simplifies complex concepts such as atomic nuclei, electrons, and the solar system into visually engaging design elements. The design utilizes circles to symbolize balance, simplicity, and security, creating a spatial narrative throughout the park.

In the middle of the park lies a central shared area representing the "Atomic Nucleus." Interactive and leisure zones, symbolizing "Electrons," are located at each end of this area. Visitors' movements link these zones, generating an energy field that mirrors the dynamic interactions of particles. Naturally drawn to the familiar circular shapes, children feel a sense of wonder and curiosity as they explore the space.

Beneath the ground are educational illustrations of the planets, connecting the small world of quantum science with the grandeur of the solar system. By incorporating scientific learning into the park's playful environment, science becomes approachable and fun, encouraging children to develop a love for discovery. The installation aims to intertwine scientific education with recreational activities, making learning about space an enjoyable experience for young visitors.

The park's layout is centred around a circular trajectory, drawing visitors toward the space's core. This simple yet powerful design gives rise to a three-tiered structure—outer, middle, and inner zones—each fulfilling a different purpose. The outer zone offers public seating, the middle zone offers a lush plant community, and the inner zone offers interactive play spaces.

The circular seating varies in height to accommodate people of all ages, allowing for a relaxed, pressure-free resting posture. Surrounding the seating, clusters of plant communities bring the space to life, their canopies offering shade and a softer transition between built and natural environments. These layered zones create a dynamic spatial experience, inviting exploration and connection with nature.

Sustainable Design: A Tribute to Chongqing's Spirit

The park's ecological design includes the Huang Jue Tree (Ficus virens), symbolizing Chongqing's resilience and vitality. Carefully chosen local plants surround this focal point, fostering a sense of connection to the city's landscape. Wildflower paths and herbaceous plants enhance the natural ambiance, creating an environment that changes seasons and encourages residents to interact with their surroundings.

This verdant oasis beautifies the urban environment and reinforces the importance of sustainability. With their year-round presence, the choice of plants ensures that the space remains vibrant and inviting throughout the year.

A Visual and Emotional Transformation

The park's visual appeal plays a significant role in attracting and engaging visitors. A series of circular patterns on the ground create a dynamic and lively aesthetic, bringing energy and movement to the previously static site. Inspired by the deep blue tones of the High-Tech Zone's logo, the park's colour palette strikes a balance between natural greens and striking blues—reminiscent of Klein Blue—symbolizing intelligence, hope, and the boundless potential of technology.

The playful yet thoughtful use of colour draws in passersby and sparks curiosity and joy among children. Through engaging design, the park becomes a space where scientific knowledge meets the imagination, allowing young minds to dream amidst an ideal blue backdrop.

A Corner Transformed: A Hub for Community and Innovation

What was once a nondescript street corner has been revitalized into a thriving community space. Neighbours gather here to relax, children's laughter fills the air, and the park's vibrant energy draws in the surrounding residents. The Quantum Pocket Park enhances the aesthetic and functional value of its immediate surroundings and symbolizes the High-Tech Zone's dedication to science, innovation, and public engagement.

In this transformed city corner, the pocket park integrates science and everyday life, fostering a deeper connection between the citizens and their environment. It is a beacon of the community's aspirations for a better, more innovative future—where dreams take root and bloom.

Project: High-Tech Quantum Pocket Park

Project Location: Nankai Jingyang Elementary School, High-Tech Zone, Chongqing

Design Firm: 10Design

Presentation Date: July 2023

For more information, please visit: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Paya2mzILVzEM_DVNjKXpA

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Architecture Division

Greenland Tai-Lake City

Greenland Tai-Lake City is a project created by Suzhou Industrial Park Renhai Interior Design Studio. The mansion is nestled by the calm shores of Taihu Lake, and its design complements the rolling landscape of the Jiangnan hills, which offer a beautiful view of lakes, mountains, and fields. The landscape architecture reflects this natural beauty, with terraces, vegetable gardens, and peaceful ecological waterscapes seamlessly connected to the mansion through well-designed corridors. Inspired by the classical Pavilion of Surging Waves, the design blurs the boundaries between the private courtyard and the broader community landscape, creating a fluid interaction of interior and exterior spaces that engage with the natural and conceptual water systems, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

The residence boasts a meticulously crafted spatial layout that seamlessly integrates intimate and expansive areas, enhancing the daily living experience. The design's nuanced transitions establish a guided progression through the space, instilling a sense of continual discovery. Careful calibration of spatial dimensions ensures a comfortable and secure living environment, avoiding overwhelming vastness or confining enclosure. The refined interior, punctuated by various elegant windows, each framing distinctive views of the surrounding landscape, effectively transforms the home into a living gallery of natural vistas. Rooted in a profound understanding of the family's structure and lifestyle, the design revitalizes the interplay between architecture, occupants, and the environment. The outcome is a thoughtfully orchestrated spatial configuration that harmonizes and integrates the relationships between landscape, architecture, and interior design, preserving the unique character of each element within the composition.

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design