Harmony World Consultant & Design: Creating a Modern Residential Design with an Italian Style

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an Italian styled, modern residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Harmony World Consultant & Design.

Harmony World Consultant & Design was commissioned to design the interior spaces for Shenzhen Oct The One project.

What was the client’s brief? 

The project chooses the coastline of Shenzhen Bay. The unique geographical advantage of the peninsula endows the project with a natural landscape surrounded by the sea on three sides. The design of all floor to ceiling windows maximises the view. Every stay in different outdoor corners will be accompanied by mountains and seas outside the window. Every moment is romantic.

What inspired the design of the project?

We extract humanistic ideas and spiritual pursuits from the project area, strive for natural, artistic and humanistic design concepts, inject romance and elegance into the coastal life, and create an era image with unique characteristics of the bay area city with diversified scenes.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

In the design, we need to think about how to maximise the functionality of the space, and at the same time, have artistic aesthetics, so that the design can reflect the characteristics of the city, show the classic design model of coastal luxury houses, and create a comfortable space that integrates multiple attributes such as living, social, and aesthetics.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The overall space is dominated by Italian style. The simple and elegant tone of the living room is blended with retro orange, adding romantic Italian style to create a romantic comfort in the warm sun, which makes people sit down quietly and release a relaxed and fulfilling life state. The integrated design is adopted between the reception hall and the dining room, creating a sense of space integration, open and comfortable. The restaurant should be a place of comfort from the beginning of vision. Therefore, the restaurant is placed next to the seascape, and the whole floor to ceiling windows are used for lighting, so that the space is full of light and shadow vitality, while introducing endless scenery outside the window, and offering a feast of food. In the master bedroom space, the Italian style artistic atmosphere is fully displayed. With gray white as the bottom and warm caramel color as the decoration, the modern atmosphere spreads and grows, and the space becomes interesting. The master bedroom is equipped with independent cloakroom and master bathroom, so the master’s taste can be properly placed. The master bathtub facing the sea, with a design full of ritual and privacy, feels the daily life with the sea, pure and quiet.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As one of the most prestigious awards in the world, SBID has attracted the attention and participation of many internationally renowned designers with its strict selection criteria. From a professional perspective, SBID focuses on exploring, summarising and exploring the latest trends in the field of design. It also has high standards and requirements for the design works participating in the awards. Every year, authoritative experts in the industry assess the technical content and aesthetic creativity of the entries, and is committed to commendation, reward and publicity of various excellent designs.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

The SBID Design Award has a very high competitiveness and influence in the international design industry. Being shortlisted for the SBID Design Award is not only a recognition of designers’ professional ability, but also a recognition of their design achievements in the world.

Questions answered by Hongjun Lin, Managing Director at Harmony World Consultant & Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a characterful and bold home design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Oakley Moore Interior Design.

Oakley Moore Interior Design was commissioned to carry out a full refurbishment and redecoration of this Victorian terraced house in the heart of Fulham in London. The brief was to bring the property to life with a focus on the client’s art collection, using creative layering of textiles, materials and bold colours to deliver an expertly layered and characterful home. Kate Aslangul of Oakley Moore lead the design for the interior architecture, soft furnishings, bespoke furniture pieces and the hanging of all artwork.

What was the client’s brief? 

Mandated to oversee a full refurbishment and redecoration of this Victorian terraced house in the heart of Fulham, our brief was to improve the flow of the property and breath new life into it with a focus on the client’s art collection, using creative layering of textiles, materials, and bold colours.

What inspired the design of the project?

Inspiration for the design of the project came from the client, his love of art and his collection; he has many interests and has not only lived in the UK but also in the USA and France, so it was important to find creative ways to reference this and weave the threads to tell a story. He’s collected throughout his travels, so we had some strong pieces and colour references to use as starting points for the design.

To infuse sunshine and Provencal colour all year round I decided to make a feature of the kitchen/dining room wall which is a key siteline throughout the ground floor by designing a mural inspired by the work of Etel Adnan, a Lebanese/American artist who lived in Paris whose work I admire. The spare bedroom has a distinctly traditional French feel and using bright, modern colour and unusual fabrics makes it feel more contemporary.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle was getting supplies and artisans as we started work during the Covid pandemic, so logistics and planning were incredibly important for the smooth running of the project to ensure that we delivered on time and on budget.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

This was such a special project for me as the client wanted something very layered and beautiful and allowed me the freedom to play with colour and fabric. His trust in me was a real highlight.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I’m honoured to be an accredited SBID designer and it’s always wonderful to be recognised within one’s industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

It is thrilling and a huge honour to be singled out within one’s industry. These prestigious awards are internationally recognised and provide a rare platform to gain recognition in a competitive industry for all the work involved in interior design projects. The awards not only put designers in the spotlight, but they give value to the craft and the industry.

Questions answered by Kate Aslangul, Founder and Creative Director at Oakley Moore Interior Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an ocean-view residential design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Katja Kessler Kreation.

The client owned a vacation home which was only an empty shell and asked for an interior design concept. The empty shell turned out to be a seven-metre-high postmodern recently built concrete building.

What was the client’s brief? 

My client dreamed of an interior design, that would bring together regional heritage and modern vibes, creating a powerful and emotional yet stylish space. A place to sense the refreshing breeze of the Baltic Sea during the day; a place to cuddle in front of the crackling fire, listening to the raging waves at night.

What inspired the design of the project?

Entering the shell of the building I had the sensation of standing inside a modern, concrete-formed cathedral – an overwhelming feeling. One central idea was spiraling in my head: Why conceal anything here? The rough cold DNA of the building’s structure should be palpable at every point!

So, I left the seven-meter-high concrete walls completely unplastered and used them as a backdrop for a historic church staircase, proudly displaying its 200-year-old scarred woodworm patina skin. 150-year-old weathered iron windows from a nearby decommissioned distillery, repurposed as kitchen walls, also pay homage to past times. In contrast postmodern XL window fronts that can be folded open across their full width like an accordion serve as bridges between the past and the present, as well as between indoor and outdoor. These windows bring in sunlight, wind, and the calls of seagulls, turning the expansive terrace into an additional living room on beautiful days. A ceiling mounted 360-degree swiveling XL fireplace accentuates the cathedral-like height of the building’s structure, though sitting in front of the crackling fire, it simultaneously provides a cave-like ambiance.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Moving and fitting the old 1000 kg spiral staircase into the shell required the assistance of five hard-trained carpenters and the same amount of champagne bottles to celebrate what we had achieved.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Sitting on the ocean-view terrace for the very first time with the entire crew gazing beyond the horizon on a quiet Sunday afternoon, resembled the cathedral like spirit I had experienced when first visiting this place. It was a moment of reward for what we had accomplished together.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

I’ve been following the SBID Awards for a long time and have repeatedly been inspired and impressed by the submitted projects. This year, I thought now or never and submitted my own application.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

So many people congratulated us for the nomination via social media. It feels like participating in a kind of interior Oscar. That alone has been a great compliment for me and the rest of my team.

Questions answered by Dr. Katja Kessler, Interior Designer and Founder of Katja Kessler Kreation.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a minimalist laundry service design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, 4SPACE Design.

Whites sets the benchmark as a next-generation premium dry-cleaning and laundry service, known for its unwavering commitment to the highest standards of garment care. The design of the shop is pivotal in attracting customers and providing a comfortable and functional space. It plays a crucial role in creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects Whites’ commitment to excellence while ensuring customers feel at ease during their visits. The design embodies a refined and thoughtful approach creating Whites a modern and functional space that is both inviting and inspiring.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client’s brief for Whites was to create a distinctive dry-cleaning and laundry service located within Dubai Hills Mall that defies conventional expectations. The aim was to design an environment that encourages visitors to embark on a conceptual exploration while utilizing garment care services.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of Whites was inspired by a fusion of modernity, tranquility, and sustainability. The carefully curated color palette of pristine white and serene sky blue imparts a harmonious and open ambiance. The mesmerising epoxy flooring, with its gradient of blue, mirrors the transformative nature of Whites’ services. Sustainability was a driving inspiration, evident in the selection of state-of-the-art equipment and a commitment to minimising environmental impact.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle our team overcame during the project was achieving the delicate balance between minimalism and functionality. Ensuring that every chosen element held significance and purpose while maintaining a clean and uncluttered space required meticulous design and planning.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of our team’s journey with Whites was the creation of the main counter, a sophisticated blend of Corian and acrylic accents. This elegant centerpiece, illuminated by gentle, indirect lighting, symbolises the intimate connection between our knowledgeable staff and valued patrons.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We entered the SBID Awards driven by the exceptional standout of Whites’ design. The project’s unique combination of conceptual exploration, sustainability, and its transformative impact on the garment care experience we believe in the project’s unique standout.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being chosen as an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards is a testament to the remarkable standout of Whites’ design. It reaffirms our commitment to innovative and purposeful design that leaves a lasting impression. This recognition elevates our reputation in the design community and underscores our dedication to sustainability and excellence, enhancing our appeal to potential clients and partners.

Questions answered by Firas Alsahin, Co-Founder and Design Director at 4SPACE Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features an urban jungle club design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Harmony World Consultant & Design.

HWCD design was commissioned to design interior space for The Catania Club Chengdu. The project is an exclusive multi-dimensional social space, with a greater emphasis on diversified and artistic design, presenting a new contemporary vertical living system. The club has created multiple spatial scenes in different fields, which are closely connected and also private, aiming to create a highly vertical and permeable life, work, and social scene.

What was the client’s brief? 

The project is composed of two ultra high towers with a height of 222 meters, and is a landmark of the core city of Chengdu. This project is an exclusive multi-dimensional social space, with a greater emphasis on diversified and artistic design, presenting a new contemporary vertical living system. The club has created multiple spatial scenes in different fields, which are closely connected and also private, aiming to create a highly vertical and permeable life, work, and social scene.

What inspired the design of the project?

The entire space is themed with the theme of ‘Jungle Mystery’, presenting an exotic atmosphere, making people feel like they are in an adventurous world. The space is divided into six multi-functional areas, separated by arches, each step bringing a brand new scene. In a two-layer elevated space, curves are used as important visual clues to penetrate multiple spatial levels, breaking the square symmetry of horizontal and vertical planes, creating a transparent and varied visual and artistic picture.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The design of this project is very different from that of ordinary luxury houses. It needs to pay more attention to diversified and artistic design, presenting a new vertical living system in the contemporary era. A number of space scenes in different fields are created in the space, which are closely connected and private, aiming to create a highly vertical and multi permeable life, work and social scene.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Our team used a lot of arch cutting and arc modeling in the design of the space, creating the feeling of medieval Europe and European art museums. Precious Taihu stone works of art can be seen at the entrance, showing the elegant taste of residents. The elevator hall continues the arc shape used in the lobby space, and also uses rare red copper metal plate splicing, making the whole space more luxurious and grand. The metal handcrafted brushed panel with light leaking lighting design creates a feeling of mysterious urban jungle.

The design inspiration of the coffee bar comes from London Mondrian Hotel, which uses animal patterned furniture shapes and fabric fabrics, and integrates rich animal and plant elements, forming a echo with the garden landscape. It is worth mentioning that the design inspiration of the bar area came from the glorious period of the ancient Roman Empire, which was dominated by gold and turquoise gold, and often used gold, silver, copper and other metal elements to express luxury, power and dignity. On this basis, we have adopted the combination of gold and blue gold to create the bar counter in the bar area to create a luxurious and noble atmosphere. The inverted triangle metal wine rack wall is a highlight of the bar area, which not only echoes the grandeur and magnificence of the bar, but also has its own unique beauty and practicality.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As one of the most prestigious awards in the world, SBID has attracted the attention and participation of many internationally renowned designers with its strict selection criteria. From a professional perspective, SBID focuses on exploring, summarising and exploring the latest trends in the field of design. It also has high standards and requirements for the design works participating in the awards. Every year, authoritative experts in the industry assess the technical content and aesthetic creativity of the entries, and is committed to commendation, reward and publicity of various excellent designs.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

The SBID Design Award has a very high competitiveness and influence in the international design industry. Being shortlisted for the SBID Design Award is not only a recognition of designers’ professional ability, but also a recognition of their design achievements in the world.

Questions answered by Hongjun Lin, Managing Director of Harmony World Consultant & Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a captivating, Japanese inspired bar design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, LW Design.

Reminiscent of the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo, 7 Tales is a speakeasy cocktail bar where guests can experience urban Japan with a New York twist. An illustration of a man wandering through an archway into the unknown leads through a large pivot entrance door. Confused yet intrigued guests are transported into a small chamber entirely clad in mirrors; a second door opens, and suddenly, kanpai!, a flurry of colour, energy and mystery engulfs them. A glowing lacquered orange bar carved out of solid oak panels takes centre stage as they enter a nostalgic and mesmerising world of debauchery.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client’s brief for 7 Tales was to create a speakeasy cocktail bar that captures the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo with a New York twist. The bar was intended to be reminiscent of an ‘Izakaya-styled speakeasy,’ providing guests with an immersive experience of urban Japan. The design was expected to be playful, innovative, and inspired by Japanese culture, offering a unique approach to mixed drinks and a lively atmosphere that would appeal to guests into the early hours of the morning. Access was to remain through City Social restaurant on the 43rd floor of Grosvenor House, and the goal was to establish a nightlife hotspot on the 44th floor.

What inspired the design of the project?

The dynamic culture of Tokyo nightlife and Japanese aesthetics inspired the design of 7 Tales. The concept aimed to blend traditional elements with a modern twist, drawing from various 1960s and 70s movements, including the Golden Age movement and Art Deco. The goal was to create a mesmerising world of debauchery that transports guests into a realm of energy, color, and mystery. The graffiti-style artwork on the walls and ceilings, referencing Japan’s cultural zeitgeist, along with the fusion of street art and traditional elements, brought a captivating and unique visual identity to the space.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The toughest hurdle the team had to overcome was the installation of the intricate ceiling graffiti while managing and maintaining the integrity of all the MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) fixtures. The technical challenge of coordinating the artwork with the necessary technical elements required careful planning and execution to ensure seamless integration.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of 7 Tales for the team was successfully creating a dynamic and immersive atmosphere that combined traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design elements. The focal point of the Negroni gaming table, where guests engaged in a unique dice game to determine their drink of the night, added an interactive and engaging dimension to the bar experience.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

LW entered the SBID Awards to showcase the innovative and captivating design of 7 Tales, highlighting their ability to merge different design influences into a cohesive and visually striking concept. The unique approach to storytelling through artwork and the successful execution of the speakeasy’s atmosphere made it a strong contender for recognition within the design industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards held great significance for designer’s Pooja Shah-Mulani, Jesper Axel Petersen, and LW Design. The recognition affirmed their design expertise and ability to overcome technical challenges while delivering a visually stunning and immersive space. Being a finalist reinforced their reputation in the design community, validating their creativity and commitment to pushing design boundaries.

Questions answered by Pooja Shah Mulani, Partner and Design Director at LW Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a natural, tree top villa design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Kimble Roden Architects.

Kimble Roden were engaged to design 25 luxury holiday homes in an exceptional location. Hall Wood Forest, near Looe in Cornwall, is an ancient woodland with steep slopes and undulating ground conditions, requiring a very considered and sensitive approach. The solution was to create tree top villas on stilts, designed to become an intrinsic part of the landscape, promoting a relationship between the inhabitants and their natural surroundings whilst minimising their impact on the environment. The interiors of the villas are sympathetic to the external landscape, using timber panelling, natural stone and a palette that reflects the forest.

What was the client’s brief? 

Our brief was to obtain planning permission for 25 luxury holiday homes set in a unique site – a woodland valley in Cornwall. The homes were to range from 3 to 4 bed dwellings that responded to the uniqueness of the context. The site is an ancient woodland with steep slopes, that required minimal impact on the surrounding environment. The aim was to seamlessly blend leisure, luxury and relaxation into the fabric of these homes, utilising the natural attributes of the site to enhance the experience.

What inspired the design of the project?

Our response to the project brief was to develop the concept of the dwellings as structures that embraced and respected the forest setting. We developed the concept of treetop villas built on stilts, allowing the dwellings to be immersed in the natural environment. By making the decision to elevate the homes, it became essential to consider the external spaces as much as the internal to enhance the sense of connection with the surrounding forest and capitalize on the uniqueness of the setting by bringing the outside in.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The planning constraints we faced when designing were considerable and required our careful response. We had to really consider the impact on the ecology of the site (the trees, the fauna, the site conditions) and limit light pollution from the dwellings. This led to a greater articulation of each space – vertical slot windows were indented deep into the buildings plan to illuminate the central circulation along with the balconies deep overhang and the timber shutters. Every space has access to glimpses of the forest, each framed in different ways with balconies and horizontal and vertical slot windows; the interior layouts of these rooms were then orientated to around these focal points.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Seeing our designs come to life with the CGI images was definitely a highlight and helped us develop each space and its relationship with the forest. And of course achieving a successful planning decision was also a highlight!

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

Entering the SBID Awards was an opportunity to showcase our work in the context of a professional environment – we are proud to SBID accredited and this gave us the chance to promote the great work SBID does and gives us a stage to further promote our achievements.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We have really enjoyed the positive interaction we have received from our clients, professional network and followers, especially on social media. It has given us the platform to reach out to a new audience and highlight the professional interior design service we offer alongside our role as architects.

Questions answered by Edwina Kimble, Director at Kimble Roden Architects & Interior Designers.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a soft and elegant kitchen design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Poggenpohl Hampstead.

Poggenpohl Hampstead were commissioned to design, specify and install a luxury kitchen into a family home in Essex.

What was the client’s brief? 

To create a luxurious kitchen space showcasing Gaggenau appliances, featuring a soft and elegant colour scheme, and incorporating high-quality, durable countertops. The kitchen should provide a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating a comfortable and visually pleasing environment for cooking, entertaining, and daily activities.

What inspired the design of the project?

It was important to have discussions with the client and view their previous kitchen for touchpoints on things they really loved and wanted to retain. We then wanted to frame the views through the large arched windows, and not disturb the eye with use of wall cabinets. The use of full height cabinetry in a metallic champagne coloured aluminium allowed dynamic colour shifts to the area throughout the day as the material has wonderful refracting properties of light.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The bridged sink countertop in front of the arched window. We worked with the countertop supplier to not only ensure the weight was considered, but also that pipework for water inlet/ waste outlets had routes and access for servicing. Additionally the height was carefully planned to ensure the waste trap was not visible from inside or outside the kitchen at varying levels.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The flexibility and freedom permitted by the client, the end result has a lot of technical aspects which tested the team to achieve something which covered all the client requirements whilst retaining a kitchen which can withstand daily use. The client was very happy, which ultimately is the goal of any project and this has already led to multiple referral clients.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

We have often entered the SBID awards as they are a prestigious, trusted, and recognised company viewed by many industry professionals. With the client’s permission we wanted to showcase our work to a wider audience and demonstrate the journey Poggenpohl has been on. The company ethos, design flexibility and material libraries have rapidly increased in the 12 years I have been part of the team, and we are proud to have a product which is exquisitely engineered to last for decades.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We were thrilled that the judges felt the kitchen merited being a finalist, and hope the public vote reflects this too. As the Poggenpohl brand continues to grow in diversity of design, it is our intention to showcase our finished work more regularly via professional and prestigious avenues such as SBID.

Questions answered by James Kalozois, Studio Manager at Poggenpohl Hampstead.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a secretive, Art Deco-inspired bar design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, LW Design.

LW Design were tasked to design a unique bar hiding in plain sight, a prerogative of an authentic speakeasy bar. The near impossible-to-find entrance, lavish and decadent styling, and secretive-vibe inside-outside lounge make Blind Tiger, Dubai the most sought-after evening venue. Any credible speakeasy has a discreet frontage and no discernible entrance. Blind Tiger is no different. Slightly hidden and tucked away, the bar and lounge have unexpected views across the beautiful Turtle Lagoon and the turtle rehabilitation project.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client’s brief for Blind Tiger was to design a unique bar that embodies the essence of an authentic speakeasy, hidden in plain sight. The directive was to create a space reminiscent of a secretive drinking den from the Prohibition era, characterized by rich, indulgent surroundings and an atmosphere of clandestine intrigue, fun, and mischief.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design of Blind Tiger was inspired by the concept of paying homage to the ‘Queens of Speakeasies.’ The space was envisioned as a tribute to this era, blending Art Deco-inspired detailing with a vintage vibe. The goal was to create a luxurious and decadent atmosphere that captures the essence of the Prohibition era, with deep blue wall panels, chinoiserie-style wallpaper, antique ceiling mirrors, and meticulously crafted joinery and furniture.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the toughest hurdles the team at LW Design overcame during the Blind Tiger project was the need to execute the design and interiors within a short timeframe and a tight budget. Despite these constraints, the team was committed to maintaining the sophisticated and glamorous detailing expected of the Prohibition era. They had to ensure that the design’s authenticity and opulence were not compromised by the budget limitations.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight of the Blind Tiger project for the team was successfully transforming the original executive club lounge of Jumeirah Al Naseem into a sophisticated, glamorous, and playful speakeasy bar. The combination of the near-impossible-to-find entrance, lavish styling, and secretive ambiance created a sought-after evening venue that captured the spirit of the Prohibition era.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The team entered the SBID Awards to showcase the exceptional design and execution of Blind Tiger. The project’s unique concept, meticulous attention to detail, and successful transformation of the space made it a strong contender for recognition within the design industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist in the SBID Awards held significant meaning for LW Design and their business. It validated their dedication to design excellence and their ability to overcome challenges such as tight budgets and time constraints while delivering a stunning and authentic result. The recognition from the awards highlighted their expertise and creativity, enhancing their reputation within the design community and among potential clients.

Questions answered by Rachel Kidd, Partner and Design Director at LW Design.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a modern and multipurpose public space design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, KLID.

This is an urban public space in Chengdu, the project is located in public transport hubs. The designer wanted to reduce the sense of apathy between people, and they can read, talk, drink a coffee. The space meets various functions for leisure and communication, or immerse in the world of reading.

What was the client’s brief? 

This is an urban public space. The project is located in an important location with multiple public transport hubs. We want to create an iconic public space where fast moving people want to stay. Function setting: Public hall, Ladder square, Reading, Cafe, Parent-child learning.

What inspired the design of the project?

For the surrounding group of people, the public space is the link that connects the surrounding group lives. The space is inspired by dancing ribbons. The dancing ribbon not only serves as a link between the upper and lower levels, but also symbolises the rhythm and vitality of the city.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

The project is located in the TOD plan of Changgongyan, Tianfu New District, Chengdu. Guided by public transport, TOD（Transit-Oriented-Development）project has lots of mixed functions such as commerce, office, residence, rail transit, etc., becomes an indispensable urban unit in contemporary life. We wanted to create a place for people to stop, have a cup of coffee and read a book in the urban nodes where people are moving fast. Break the strangeness between people and increase the interaction between people.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The main function of this case is to socialise. The space can meet various functions for leisure and communication, or immerse in the world of reading alone, or the ladder square of cultural salon activities. People stay, communicate and gather here. We used lightweight aluminum, which is used to make metal panels that are light and hard enough to make ribbons. The dancing ribbon not only serves as a link between the upper and lower levels, but also symbolises the rhythm and vitality of the city.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

The reason we decided to participate in the SBID Awards is because we have a deep passion for design, and we also wanted to challenge our creativity and skills. This competition provides a platform for showcasing our work, and we hope to use this opportunity to absorb more design inspiration, engage with other talented designers, and receive feedback from professionals in the field. We believe that taking part in this competition will help us continuously improve, not only in terms of design but also in areas such as problem-solving, teamwork, and time management.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being an Award Finalist for our interior design project has been an incredibly rewarding experience for both me and my business. It signifies a validation of our creative vision and the hard work we’ve put into crafting unique and impactful spaces. The recognition from such a prestigious international award has boosted our confidence and reinforced our commitment to pushing the boundaries of design innovation.

This accolade has not only brought heightened visibility to our business but has also opened doors to new opportunities for collaborations and projects. The acknowledgment as a finalist on an international stage has provided us with a platform to showcase our expertise and design philosophy to a global audience, further establishing our brand as a symbol of quality and excellence in the field of interior design.

Questions answered by Kris Lin, Interior Designer at KLID.