Jinke Han­wang Tingquan Xi­aozhen Arts Lounge, China

Against such a backdrop of natural scenery and cultural heritage, the Hanwang Tingquan Xiaozhen Project is a modest interpretation of local cultural and ecological elements. It depicts a spring-side picture beckoning one to return to the earthy lifestyle of the Han dynasty. The campus is surrounded by fertile fields, dense forests, small bridges and flowing water, a natural countryside scene seamlessly integrated into the life within the facilities, reflecting spiritual aspirations harkening back to simplicity.

The lifestyle and arts lounge by designers Yi Chen and Muchen Zhang of the YI+MU Design Office is a three-story building among the project’s commercial lane. The interior space is based on the concept of well-being, with references to the profound culture of the Han dynasty and the charm of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Modern techniques are used to convey the Oriental concept of unity between humankind and nature, and drawing inspiration from the unique landscape and cultural heritage of the site, the designers have integrated the signature style of the Han dynasty: bare minimalism plus grand magnificence. The entire space has been painstakingly created to resemble an ancient scroll depicting “serene tranquility aside from the ringing tones arising from the strings of a guqin” .

The structure of the space emphasizes the traditional Chinese concept of ritual order, this being done through the rhythmically layered advancement of elements, thereby presenting visitors with differing perspectives after each passing step. The notion of less being more also served as a crucial component. The spatial design is consistent with the overall theme of nature and imbued with a sense of simplicity, serenity, purity and elegance. The shaping of the interior reflects the architectural style of Han dynasty and the artistic appeal of Chu and Han culture, creating an aesthetic setting that traces back to Han-era poetry. Through the interaction between various functional areas, the play of light and shadow, the interlacing of materials and the blending of simple and complex expressive techniques, the designers have bestowed the limited space with lingering influence and far-reaching artistry.