International Oriental: Transforming Commercial Spaces into Humanistic Narratives
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
At the Chengdu Wuhou Jinmao Mansion project, our founder and design director Simon Chong challenged the traditional, efficiency-first model of sales centers. He transformed the commercial setting into a readable, humanistic space, leveraging modern minimalism as the bone and Oriental aesthetics as the soul, ensuring every step becomes a deep dialogue with the brand
Sales centers typically prioritize clear information, fast traffic flow, and a full atmosphere. For the Chengdu Wuhou Jinmao Mansion, Simon went against the grain, shaping a space that can be perceived and read. This was achieved through precise adjustments to order, materials, and art, subtly permeating brand value into every sensory element. The theme, "International Oriental," uses modern minimalism to interpret Eastern aesthetics in a contemporary language, avoiding both retro styling and contrived approaches.
The entrance sets a serene atmosphere with a black tone. Lighting fixtures act like suspended installations, intertwining with sculptures to visually encourage the visitor to pause. The control of light and shadow is critical here: light is used not just for illumination, but to reshape the rhythm of the space, arrange sensory layers, and naturally guide the eye to the next focal point.
In the model area, the concept of "urban character" is interpreted as a spatial language. The team focused on the hibiscus flower, a representative of Chengdu, using over 20,000 crystal rods in six gradients from black to white to construct a focal point with strong modern visual tension. This is a prime example of high-end local design, capturing the essence of the regional culture and transforming it into tangible texture and atmosphere, rather than merely superficial decorative patterns.
Moving into the meeting area, lines and lighting create a rigorous order reminiscent of a "library" appearing separated yet connected. Spatial proportions and compositional relationships were meticulously considered to gently separate sightlines without hindering conversation flow, maintaining a consistent rhythm regardless of the number of users. This embodies Simon's philosophy: "Simplicity and comfort are the only measures of space". The goal is for guests to linger and immerse themselves, subtly establishing the commercial value of the space.
A large screen deep within the meeting area establishes a visual focus and sense of territory. Traditional furnishings are broken up by the interweaving of leather and metal materials, while Knight-themed sculptures coexist harmoniously with Eastern elements. This "spatial interaction" is meticulously controlled through sightlines, distances, and compositional proportions, demonstrating a mastery of spatial arrangement. By seamlessly integrating art and transforming cultural essence into a contemporary language, the space transcends geographical limits, becoming a universal vision of life.
