Sanofi is a company dedicated to human health with a diversified portfolio of innovative solutions that respond to the needs of the population. It transforms scientific innovation into solutions for wellbeing.
One of the most difficult challenges facing the world today is to improve health. As a global biopharmaceutical company, Sanofi, driven by scientific innovation, renews and expands its offices, taking advantage of its great global commitment focused on continuous improvement.
The design was based on a new trend of image and architecture being different from the rest of the world. Sanofi’s concern for the social, environmental and labour welfare of his collaborators has driven the company to implement I+D strategies with the collaboration of various national and international institutions that increase the creation of ideas and prototypes in line with what they do. Life is a journey that takes place in different stages and Sanofi wants to be a companion along that journey.
The project is developed in 3 levels with key spaces strategically distributed through a route that connects the different stages of human life, understanding that architectural design creates memorable experiences in matter and time with points of connection through the senses. Starting with the reception, the playful heart of this organization, continuing through the innovation lab that inspires new ways of working, following through with the open area that encourages productivity and high performance, including the large dining room as a cozy interior patio that promotes friendship, relaxation and freedom of assembly.
Sanofi is a sustainable, flexible, inspiring and innovative organisation. The five senses are expressed in the textures, 3D finishes, interactive walls, colour applications, smell and acoustics in various areas. Space is experienced as the time is experienced, seeking to associate the world of sound, vision, colour and form in figures and volumes.
The finishes were very significant in the project. Combining them in a complementary way – wood, marble, carpets, glass, murals and furniture – helped accentuate the character of each stage. In general, neutral colours predominate throughout the project with some key colour accents on walls, columns and carpets, where bright tones were used according to a chromatic palette that unifies the image and reinforces the identity of its values. The flow of reality is structured by overcoming the barriers of the common, functional and habitual, creating well-lit spaces designed to increase productivity and that celebrate comfort and versatility.
The use of brand identifiers throughout the spaces – built through murals made by a great Mexican artist, furniture with artisan manufacturing techniques and symbology inspired by indigenous cultures – seek to honour Mexico’s rich natural heritage, from the Tarahumaras in Chihuahua to the Mayans in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Mexico is a tapestry of ancestral villages with unique visions, customs and aesthetic values. Taking patterns, textiles, colours and techniques from these tribes as inspiration, created a rich design language to sustain the connection. Death has meant, ever since ancient times, transformation, an opportunity to be reborn. The concept of life after death is also honoured in this great architectural space. Architecture allows us to perceive and understand the dialectic of permanence and change to establish ourselves in the world and ally with culture and time.
About spAce
spAce have structured a new way of looking at architecture: intending to be the best if not the biggest, they have integrated an interdisciplinary staff of highly talented and compromised professionals. spAce take into account the importance of research and technology development, then they include them both in their method of thinking and working, always seeking after SUSTAINABLE solutions which not only RESPECT environment but actually help to improve the natural habitat. spAce have created various lines of business, both interior and exterior. No matter it is a small space, a large building, campus, offices, shops or housing settlement, they do know that to achieve a great solution they have to begin from the inside. This is the basis of their philosophy: designing from inside out.
If you’d like to feature your projects here, get in touch to find out more.
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This week’s instalment of Project of the Week series features joined office and night venue designs by 2021 SBID Awards Finalists Teodora Panayotova & Max Baklayan.
The designers received one of the most unusual briefs for Tavex’s new home Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde – to transform one space to incorporate two areas that completely contradict each other. The challenging project was a great success with the team achieving outstanding results upon completion of the brief.
SBID Awards Category: Office Design
Practice: Teodora Panayotova & Max Baklayan
Project: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde
Location: Sofija grad, Bulgaria
The clients’ desire was to create a two-purpose space – a functional, convenient office during the day and a party venue in the evenings, but without the need to actually move anything around. This puzzle made the brief irresistible to the designers.
The space itself created many challenges due to its position on the ground floor and the single space layout. However, it was simultaneously the biggest inspiration. “From the moment we set foot in the office, it screamed at us – Industrial Minimalism.” Teodora Panayotova says that as a designer, she could not ignore the scream.
The office presented two problems – one was obviously the duality of its purpose, the two could not be further away on the spectrum. The second was the fact they needed to increase the office area by about 150 square meters, yet keep everything airy and minimal. Since the space is on the first floor, with no panoramic views and no full day of sunlight, nothing was walled off, and only glass, OSB, and metal rails were used. We are particularly proud of the two balconies on each side of the office and the tall ceiling in the middle of the office, interrupted only by the mirroring meeting rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
The project’s highlight is the 6-meter marble bar that greets you when you walk into the office. With just a flick of the switch, the purpose of the bar changes instantly. It is the place where you get your morning cup of coffee, your 5 o’clock tea in the afternoon, and a sip of London Dry after 7.
Teodora sincerely believes that what they created here is unique. Countless offices have game rooms, pool tables, relaxing zones, and lots of areas for different purposes. This project incorporates two of the most opposite use cases possible. It does so in a single space, without one interfering with the other. It contains everything that an office needs and so much more yet stays true to the industrial minimalism the designers set off to achieve.
Questions answered by Teodora Panayotova, Interior Designer, Teodora Panayotova & Max Baklayan.
We hope you feel inspired by this week’s design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a restaurant renovation in a Victorian bank building by Blue Sky Hospitality, click here to read it.
Launched in January this year, Workspace Design Show is an exciting addition to the global design events calendar, with the inaugural edition taking place from 4-5 November 2021 at London’s Business Design Centre, at the heart of the UK’s commercial interiors community.
After all the recent disruption to the Workspace industry, there is huge change underway in how we are designing our office interiors to improve the employee experience. The Workspace Design Show will be a great chance to listen to the latest thought leadership, check out the newest and most innovative interiors products, and network with your industry peers again.
Workspace Design Show
When: 4-5 November 2021
Where: Business Design Centre, London
The Workspace Design Talks will feature top level A&D speakers from Gensler, Grimshaw, Perkins&Will, AECOM, Arup, Areen, MCM, tp bennett, MF Design Studio, BDP Architecture, and end-user clients such as HMRC, PwC, BBC, McCann, Aviva, The Office Group, Co-space, DLA Piper and more. Panel discussions will open up challenging debates to uncover the latest thinking in how design can influence employee wellbeing, engagement, creativity & productivity, as well as the latest workspace design trends in sustainability, flexibility and inclusivity.
The attendee list includes delegates confirmed from Government Property Agency, Oktra, Unispace, Vodafone, Barclays Bank, NHS Property Services, Crown Commercial Service, Faith and Gould, We Work, CBRE, British Land, Morgan Lovell.
Your complimentary guest pass will give you access to the exhibition as well as all the talks featuring the above speakers, the Leisure Area to use as a co-working space or a meeting space or just a place to relax/ work from during the 2 days as well as free coffee, tea, hot chocolate throughout the 2 days at 3 dedicated coffee stations sponsored by Liquidline.
The Show floor will also feature re-creations of commercial interiors such as the Design Talks Lounge designed and curated by The Furniture Practice, The VIP Lounge designed by Rainlight Studio, built by AASK US and curated by Obolife, and the exhibition area including leading brands such as Humanscale, Spacestor, Tarkett, Interface, Actiu, Zumtobel, Andreu World, Benchmark Furniture, Buzzispace, and many more.
About Workspace Design Show Workspace Design Show is the UK’s only exhibition focused purely on Workspace Design, including the latest thought leadership from the country’s top architects, designers & corporates. It brings together the entire commercial interiors community to discover and discuss tomorrow’s workspaces.
If you’d like to feature your news or stories here, get in touch to find out more.
Dentsu Hong Kong is an international advertising company which strives to create the best solutions and services, and unlock new opportunities for their customers.
Responding to the client’s brief, Crosstec International Ltd has renovated the office of a total of 23,640 sq. ft. with two floors in the heart of the City in Hong Kong. They designed a spacious open office with a feel of unity over the entire floor in order to introduce vitality to the workspace and enhance staff interaction.
The office floor is divided into the three main zones: workstation, town hall and cafeteria. Since an open plan layout was applied, it was essential to tackle the noise disturbance within the functional areas. In order to do so, the areas’ locations were determined based on the level of noisiness – the pantry is located at the top-left corner, the furthest distance from the workstation where silence is required. The town hall, which is located between the pantry and the workstation, plays the role of a separator. The conference rooms are located at the window side with glass partition in order to bring in more natural light across the whole floor.
The client emphasized that communication and interaction are the core values of the company. To facilitate the communication between co-workers, break-out areas and conference rooms are scattered all over the story. The main entrance is always open during office hours to welcome business partners.
In order to represent the dynamic working environment of Dentsu Hong Kong the spatial design concept of “Work in Progress” is applied. Industrial approach is used at the reception area to give visitors a workshop impression, which highlights that Dentsu Hong Kong provides a one-stop solution to their clients.
The area connected to the reception is the “Town Hall” – a place which aims to enhance internal communication by encouraging the staff to have meetings and share ideas. As per the client’s wish, this space has a seating capacity of one hundred. In addition, an open pantry provides even more interaction opportunities between co-workers.
Across the overall office design, biophilia is applied to stimulate natural and casual atmosphere, which is enhanced through the wooden elements of the interior. The open plan layout minimizes visual blockage, which allows natural light to come through the whole space.
About Crosstec International Ltd
Crosstec Group Holdings Limited is a one-stop provider of interior design solutions; the majority of their clients are global luxury goods and high-end fashion brands with retail stores across the world. According to Frost & Sullivan, they are the largest Hong Kong-based luxury retail interior designer in terms of revenue in 2015. They serve a global client base in various parts of the world including Hong Kong, China, the United States, Europe, Middle East and other Asian countries.
If you’d like to feature your projects with SBID, get in touch to find out more.
Shared workspace provider Clockwise has arrived in the capital with expansive new offices in the Wood Green area of North London to provide an alternative location for city workers and businesses.
Measuring 32,000 sq. ft across five floors, the bright, airy offices feature two rooftop terraces with stunning views of Alexandra Palace, and plenty of event spaces, breakout areas and kitchenettes.
Designed to support the differing working methods brought on by the pandemic, Clockwise Wood Green is comprised of 664 desks, with technology to support hybrid teams and a range of spaces to work in, from meeting rooms to lounges.
Working with leading architect Hawkins\Brown and SBID Accredited fit-out specialists Portview, the shared offices took inspiration from the surrounding area and local community by incorporating abstract artwork from neighbourhood artists into the design.
Referencing the green spaces of Alexandra Park, Clockwise Wood Green has adopted a biophilic aesthetic with a statement ‘living wall’ of plants spanning the full height of the central atrium. By breathing oxygen into the surrounding spaces, the ample use of flowers and foliage help to promote a healing, peaceful working environment, which in turn improves memory, cognitive function and productivity.
Portview worked closely with Hawkins/Brown to design an intricate framing system that enabled them to manufacture the large garden trellis offsite, so the living wall could be transported and installed quickly, seamlessly and without complication.
Portview Contracts Director, Sean McEvoy said: “It’s been a really rewarding project to work on, particularly during a time when the role and design of future workspaces is being reimagined across the industry. Hawkins/Brown have already paved the way in this sector by designing a workspace that will appeal to both current and future generations, where wellbeing, sustainability and flexible working take centre stage.
“By collaborating with the client and design team, we were able to come up with innovative fit-out solutions to achieve their project aspirations and realise their vision. This includes establishing closed-loop solutions that reduced waste and benefitted the local community by either restoring, recycling, donating or repurposing old materials that otherwise would have ended up in landfill.
“We’re hugely proud of what we have achieved here and have no doubt people will love working in the space as much as we enjoyed building it.”
To reduce carbon emissions, the redevelopment of the building focused on retaining its original character, whilst adding a new design aesthetic. To do this, Portview stripped the building back to its original steel and concrete core and refurbished the interior with post-modern finishes to reference those who originally inhabited the building.
The new design aesthetic boasts playful geometric shapes and an earthy colour palette of pastel and teal tones to give the offices a fresh and domestic feel, as embodied by a statement reception area which has been finished in bespoke cream and pale terrazzo.
Retaining the existing building and some of the original services helped to reduce carbon emissions throughout the fit-out, while furniture and finishes were sourced from sustainable suppliers to help achieve BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standards.
Chief Operating Officer of Clockwise, Alex Brunner said: “What’s really special about this building is the design and the high level of finish. It involved Hawkins/Brown, Portview and ourselves jointly believing in the same vision to create workspaces that really function within our needs as human beings. It’s a home for work. As simple as that.”
About Portview
Portview is a leading fit-out specialist that has been transforming ambitious design concepts into reality since 1975. With teams covering the whole of the UK and Ireland, Portview manages projects of all shapes and sizes, including major refurbishment and roll-out contracts. Services include design development, planning approval, technical surveys, project management, contracting and fit-out.
About Clockwise
Clockwise provide well-designed, contemporary private offices, shared workspaces and meeting rooms with brilliantly flexible membership plans. They zero in on the details, so users can zoom out to the big picture. Clockwise make sure everything works, so users can do their best work.
If you’d like to feature your projects on SBID, get in touch to find out more.
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EPISODE TWO: The Future of Workplace
Following on from the last episode on the hospitality industry, this online panel in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects explored the future of the workplace. Hosted by SBID’s founder & CEO, Vanessa Brady, the series intends to examine the new definitions of interior space and the consequential impact on the people who commission, design and use them.
With the two areas most affected by the pandemic being ‘work’ and ‘home’, and as their traditionally segregated contexts were challenged while the demand for a hybrid work/live space evolved, the guest speakers addressed how their boundaries have blurred and what the future might hold for these fast-changing environments.
Arjun Kaicker | Co-Head of Zaha Hadid Architects Analytics & Insights
Arjun has worked with ZHA since 2015. He co-leads ZHA’s Analytics & Insights (A&I) in-house research and development team, which applies algorithmic modelling and ‘big data’ analytics to optimise workplace architectural designs, including for wellbeing and operational efficiency. Arjun previously founded and led the Foster+Partners Workplace and Strategic Consultancy division (for 14 years), where he developed strategy and design for 200+ design projects in 50+ countries. Arjun also previously worked as a workplace consultant and designer at Morgan Lovell and at the London International Financial Futures & Options Exchange.
Juergen Junker | Head of A&D Development for Vitra
Juergen has been with Vitra for almost 15 years in various roles. Over time he specialised in collaboration with the architectural and design partners, the associated design of work spaces, their dynamics and continuous development. Over the last 20 months, as the world switched to remote, Juergen started focusing on lectures, digital format conversations and discussions, while working on the outreach to bring people back together in the analog realm.
Bidisha Sinha | Senior Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects
Bidisha finished her first degree in New Delhi before moving to London for her Masters at the Architectural Association. She has had an architectural career spanning over 18 years, delivering projects in India, UK and Hong Kong. In her role within Zaha Hadid Architects, over the last 15 years she has personally delivered projects which have made a positive difference to the revitalization agenda of the programs that were associated with them.
Cover image credits: Project by Zaha Hadid Architects
As we return to the office, many organisations are looking for inspiration on how to best prepare and adapt to the post-COVID hybrid working model. In May 2021, KI had the pleasure of hosting ‘Designing for a neurodiverse workspace’ with networking group Women in Office Design. The hybrid event brought together a small group of people from across the workspace sector both at the KI Showroom and via Zoom.
During this interactive session, Julie Lecoq of HoK was joined by Sarah Miles from Arcadis, to discuss the growing importance of worker wellbeing, and how companies can optimise their workplaces from very early on in the design phase. There was a strong consensus that there is a business case for diversity, equity and inclusion – and designers are in an important position to help their clients understand early on that it is affordable, achievable, and essential.
Julie did a fantastic job of laying out the research and examples of neurodiversity and its importance in the workplace; whilst Sarah presented a great case study that resulted in a completely new workplace concept developed in collaboration with KI’s ‘Infinity’ design team – Colonnade.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that covers a range of conditions such as dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and others. It is estimated that 1 in 8 people fall under this umbrella, and whilst awareness is improving, only half of those affected will know it. The complexity and severity in which these conditions affect different individuals are also highly variable. So, unlike many other considerations when creating more inclusive spaces, neurodiversity factors might often be unknown or unseen.
Workplaces that support neurodiverse employees allow every individual to perform to the best of their abilities. This is an exciting opportunity for any organisation, ensuring that everyone in their team has the tools they need. Having a one-size-fits-all approach might deprive a company of hiring or retaining fantastic individuals who have so much to offer, simply because the working environment compromises their wellbeing so badly. For example, vast uninterrupted, busy open-plan spaces can be filled with noise and visual distractions during a workday. For some individuals, this would be overwhelming and overstimulating – so if they aren’t able to find a quieter space, they would not be able to cope and would have no choice but to seek an alternative place of work.
COVID has really disrupted traditional workplace strategies with new emphases on work-life balance, hybrid working models and heightened sensitivities around personal safety. But what’s most important to remember is that inclusivity measures will benefit neurotypical individuals as well as those who are neurodiverse.
Nurturing individual needs can be enhanced by offering greater user control within the workspace. Rather than expecting individuals to adapt to their environment, create an environment that can be adapted by the user to suit their requirements.
This has already been important for a number of years with growing emphasis on collaborative and creative working, rather than process-driven static work done at an individual workstation. But now, the remote working model has been thrust upon all kinds of organisations, pushing forward a hybrid working model. One of KI’s major clients faced these challenges pre-pandemic, working with Arcadis and our design team to create Colonnade to help meet the project requirements.
Sarah and her team worked with us to develop this brief which manifested in some really clever ideas that maximised user-controlled customisation. It was important for users to have full autonomy to reconfigure the space without having to call in support from facilities or IT. This makes it easier for those with varying physical abilities to be able to use the space. It also facilitates easy modification to help control noise and visual distractions.
HOK’s extensive research also looks at other factors that can be quickly and readily addressed such as:
A recording of the event is available via YouTube, below. If you’d like to discuss Colonnade, or anything else from this session, please get in touch with KI: [email protected]
About KI In 1941, KI introduced their first product – the folding chair. It answered the call for portable, stackable seating. Today, this chair symbolizes a legacy of listening to the customers. They’ve grown well beyond their origins, designing locally in response to their customers’ needs and providing contract furniture solutions that fit their environment, brilliantly.
If you’d like to feature your news or stories with SBID, get in touch to find out more.
Oktra worked closely with adidas to develop their new London headquarters in Clerkenwell’s iconic Herbal House. The new space equips the adidas teams with the environment they need to perform and the visual identity they need to thrive. The workspace uses an aesthetic embodiment of both the adidas brand and Herbal House’s design history to create a new visual identity unique to the London team. The original architecture of the landmark building is constantly visible, rooting the commercial powerhouse in the rich creative history of their new home. Designed to unite and inspire their creatives – this headquarters is a physical manifestation of what it means to be a London creative for one of the most recognisable brands in the world.
SBID Awards Category: Office Design sponsored by Schneider Electric
Practice: Oktra
Project: Adidas
Location: London, United Kingdom
The concept of ‘one adidas’, a unified team with a strong sense of personal and brand identity, was the driving force of the design for their new London headquarters. London is a key city for adidas in terms of their growth, so it was imperative that the office make an impact and create a strong sense of identity for the London team.
The workspace uses an aesthetic embodiment of both the adidas brand and Herbal House’s design history to create a new visual identity unique to the London team. The design activates this newfound identity by establishing sightlines into and out of the centre of the space, creating three distinct channels of movement and connecting the hub’s creative heart with its supporting architecture and legacy. The fully agile floorplate gives employees the flexible space they need to maximise their potential, allowing them to redefine what’s possible in terms of productivity, efficiency and collaboration.
Working with a brand as iconic as adidas naturally comes with a lot of pressure as the client already has a very strong brand identity that needs to be honoured in their new space. We wanted to make sure that we got to know their brand inside and out, as well as understanding the unique working requirements of their teams, in order to develop a design that supports and represents their identity. We held a series of workshops with the adidas design influencers which allowed us to study their brand identity in a comprehensive way. Then we used the insight from these sessions to directly influence the design development of the project.
Seeing the space take shape and the impact it made on the client team was a highlight for us. The adidas story is embedded in the new space, with their hallmark products standing as physical reminders of their journey. World Cup footballs line meeting room walls, iconic running shoes adorn lounge areas and versatile storage spaces are built-in for day-to-day use or product display. We recognised the opportunity to weave stories of adidas’ sustainable products throughout their workspace, starting with their Parley range which is made from repurposed ocean plastic. The Mater Ocean Chair and Mater Nova Chair in the adidas HQ are made of 100% recycled fishing nets and recycled pieces of veneer – even the teapoint is made of recycled yoghurt pots.
The SBID International Design Awards is one of the most prestigious design awards in the industry. We hold ourselves to standards of excellence with every project we do and we aim to enter the SBID Awards each year. As soon as we saw the brief for the adidas project we knew it was going to lead to an incredible creative partnership, and the client team’s open-minded approach to the design development of their new space ensured we were able to push the boundaries of their existing corporate environments, ultimately delivering a space that’s unique to the brand’s presence in London. We entered the project because of the outstanding final result, but also because its conception and completion are a perfect representation of what we do. The new space is built to support the unification of the adidas teams, bringing them together in a creative environment that sets them up to perform.
Questions answered by Jemma Harrison, Design Director, Oktra.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxurious apartment design by Cheng Chung Design Hong Kong, click here to see more.
Contemporary art consultants, Velvenoir, shed expert light on how contemporary art can make a difference in corporate spaces. Covering the power of a bespoke art strategy in increasing productivity and creativity; the important considerations to bear in mind when investing in contemporary art, and how art consultants play a vital role within this process.
As Deutsche Bank states; art builds, art questions, art transcends borders, art works… A corporate art collection should not only be focused on investment, rather it should align with the company’s every moral and value to become part of it’s DNA. An art collection can be a powerful communication tool that speaks to clients as well as employees.
In today’s world, we are busy on a daily basis, with barely the time to relax, take a break and simply enjoy the little things in life – especially when we sit in front of a huge to-do list in offices, surrounded by equally busy colleagues in an even busier workplace. This is where art – or better still – a curated art collection, comes into play. A carefully curated art collection allows people to connect, builds engagement, and inspires them daily. Some believe design is the key, but research has shown incorporating original artwork does not only offer various ways to inspire employees, but also allows them to relax and be part of the corporate culture that the firm has to offer. In the end, the art collection should be utilised strategically to make employees feel a part of the companies DNA; even incorporating team members in the selection and installation process. This article will outline the importance of incorporating original artworks in a corporate environment and how to make the most of your art concept to benefit employees and clients alike within corporate projects.
First, it’s important to understand that art inspires creativity and leads to an increase in productivity. A curated art collection embodies the corporate value behind a firm, reflecting innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Various surveys conducted over the years have shown that well-chosen art makes employees and their workplace feel more welcoming and also improves the individual and collective wellbeing. Doctors have even started recommending art psychotherapy to help patients explore their mental health, so it seems visiting a gallery/museum could soon replace the popularised practice of retail therapy! It’s also important to note that art is also a financial asset – even when investing in emerging and up-and-coming artists. Making the right emotional and financial investment for your projects therefore boils down to the strategy behind it, and this is where an art consultant comes in to support the selection process.
How & Where
First things first, you and your team should work in collaboration with the art consultant to establish the basic requirements of the project to align the art selection with the project brief. You should develop an overall vision and strategy for the art; an allocated budget; the desired locations / spaces in the office or building; as well as the deadline and initial ideas on how to utilise it. Once those questions have been answered, it becomes about researching local and international artists to start the selection process with your team. It is a very personal and hands-on approach in order to best source and suggests artists that reflect your vision, align with the interior design scheme, as well as convey the firm’s philosophy and overall corporate identity. Additionally, arranging artist studio meetings or inviting artists to showcase their work are all part of the process. Once the art selection is confirmed and agreed with you and your team, the acquisition process, logistics, and installation with professional art handlers are the next steps.
The Benefits
The final art collection can feature literally any shape, size and medium that you desire or that is required for the space; from large-scale sculptures, interactive digital art, screen prints and textiles to paintings, photography and neon art installations. In the end, it all derives from the concept behind the collection and the detailed strategy developed and implemented to communicate the end-client’s values, philosophy and passion to support the culture of the company and enhance the overall interior design. Not to mention the potential of the art increasing in value over time, making for even happier clients!
This week’s instalment of the #SBIDinspire interior design series features the Sales Center of Huahao Yalong Place; nestled at the foot of a mountain, providing distant mountain views and beautiful surrounding landscapes. The design aims to revitalise the excellence of Chinese architecture and its traditional aesthetic values by achieving ultimate refinement to present the essence of simplicity and by doing so, create innovation. The design has a soulful outlook and is an elaborate embodiment of ancient architectural values with new design approaches. From magnificence to pristine, refined beauty, from grandeur and solemnity to brightness and sensation, the integration of these values has created a harmonious spatial ambience which is, in some ways, akin to the Forbidden City located in northern China.
Company: Guangzhou Basic Design Co
Project: Sales Center of Huahao Yalong Place
Project Location: Sanya, China
What was the client’s brief?
Huahao Yalong Place covers a gross site area of around 730 Mu (equivalent to 120 acres). The project is consisted of Chinese courtyard villas, high-end apartment buildings, feature shopping arcade and five-star hotspring hotel.
What inspired the interior design of the project?
The design aims to revitalise the excellent Chinese architectural culture and the traditional aesthetic values by achieving ultimate refinement to present the essence or achieving simplicity so as to create innovative elements.
What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?
In addition to passing on the flame of civilisation, we hoped to create a design that can grant old traditions a young heroic spirit, introduce rhythms of the nature and ingenuity of the creator which stretches across thousands of miles, so that charms of the history and refinement of the art together produce magnificence and elegance of the space. Capturing and honouring the essence of this became a key challenge when producing the design concept for this project.
What was your team’s highlight of the project?
An elegant space was created under a dignified roof. The luxury temperament of the furnishings cannot be concealed by their pristine appearance. Whereas classic romance emerges from the innermost recesses of their souls, reinforcing the noble and refined lifestyle. Within the brand-new palace-like building and penthouse, there is no vicissitudes. Instead, there is a harmony of the nature as well as breath-taking scenes. In the splendid art world, there is a fascinating colourful space. Seeing this vision come together with fortitude was one of the main highlights for me.
Why did you enter the SBID International Design Awards?
Winning a SBID International Design Award is a distinguished recognition for designers. As one of the most prestigious events in the interior design industry, to enter the competition means to communicate with and be showcased to a magnitude of excellent interior designers from all over the world.
Questions answered by Zhide Liang, Chief Designer and Design Director of Guangzhou Basic Design Co
If you missed last week’s Project of the Week featuring a development project which guides the client through an inspiring and dynamic visual journey, click here to see more.
We hope you feel inspired! Let us know what inspired you #SBIDinspire
Guangzhou Basic Design Co | SBID International Design Awards 2018
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