The Ideas Lab in Shanghai, China, is yet another bold project by architect-designer Li Xiang, founder of X+Living. Her team for this project included Fan Chen, Yan Xiafei and Chen Xue.
The 1,100 square-metre (11,840 sq. ft) completely reconfigured space includes retail, research and office space for the massive Powerlong Group whose business interests cover, for example, real estate, hospitality, tourism, culture, arts, industry and information.
The aim was to create a space where the company’s researchers, office staff and retail customers could connect with each other and develop and experience information technology of the future.
The overall design theme is a fusion of the Industrial Age and the Age of Technology with a few ornate gothic visual elements added on for interest.
The designers used the visual and material language of the typical components of factory environments: elevated metal walkways, massive tanks, utility pipes.
The walkways function as walkways and staircases, the tanks become spaces for various technology experiences and experiments for customers, and the piping hides air conditioning, electrical wires and cables.
The rounded form of the tanks is echoed throughout the double-height space in arched windows and doorways, in the curving staircases and in the rounded shapes of seating.
Pipes and metal fittings are also used throughout the space.
The double-height space echoes the heavy-duty efficiency of vast, hard-working factories, yet the softly rounded shapes and the overall white tone with touches of muted pink create a friendly and playful atmosphere.
The upper level functions as an office and the lower level includes common areas and retail but the open concept allows everyone to be visually connected.
Recommended Posts
In an age where environmental concerns are at the forefront, embracing a sustainable lifestyle has never been more important. By […]
The go-green lifestyle is more than just a trend; it’s a conscious effort to live sustainably and reduce our environmental […]
I discovered the need for a private video studio so I built one in a small room I had in my apartment this summer. I also wanted to document the step-by-step process I took to accomplish this for under $350 (minus the camera, tripod, and mic — I already had those on hand).
Many farmers are well aware that organic farming is a good thing to do. But knowing that something is right […]
By 2050, the world’s population is expected to grow to 9.7 billion people, and feeding it will be a huge […]
While this month’s celestial events may not be as numerous as others on the calendar, May’s promise of warm evenings […]