Deconstruct and Reconstruct: Weaving Cultural Narratives into Contemporary Space

In design, "deconstruction" is far more than simply dismantling; it is the thoughtful reinterpretation of history. "Reconstruction" is the act of reweaving those collective memories with contemporary life to forge a cultural landscape that belongs distinctly to the present moment. This is the powerful, underlying philosophy of Simon Chong's design approach

The Shijiazhuang Zhonghai Xi'an Sales Center stands as a perfect embodiment of this thinking. Lead designer Simon Chong and his team drew deep inspiration from the roof tiles and intricate bracket sets of the ancient city’s traditional architecture. They first 'deconstructed' these classic elements, simplifying them into fundamental lines and forms.

The magic of 'reconstruction' then began. These simple forms were reassembled and reimagined using modern, ethereal materials - acrylic, metal, and light - to create a poetic, contemporary streetscape within the building. For instance, the grand entrance screen reinterprets the original roof tiles with sleek, modern acrylic. This preserves the traditional outline while bringing a light, airy feel, acting as an immediate, evocative memory of the old city's character.

Inside, the model area utilizes a repetitive bracket set structure, immediately creating a plaza-like sense of openness that makes visitors feel as if they are standing in the heart of a vibrant street. The meeting area’s ceiling continues the rhythm of the bracket sets’ lines, carefully layering light and shadow to create a warm, inviting atmosphere akin to a residential living room.

Every spatial detail within the project is not a relic of the past, but an active dialogue between history and the present day.

As Simon himself repeatedly emphasizes: "The value of design lies not in how innovative the form is, but in how it allows people to feel the depth of culture and the warmth of life through space.” This is precisely the core meaning of "deconstruction and reconstruction."