Reviving Canal Culture: Bingbing Zhu's Huai'fu Experience Center

A Modern Take on Traditional Chinese Architecture and Canal Lifestyle

With water as the primary inspiration, Bingbing Zhu extracted elements of fishing nets, fishing gear, and lake surfaces with ripples and waves. These elements were then refined using modern techniques, resulting in a design that respects the regional landscape and conveys the spirit of Chinese literati that has been prevalent for thousands of years. The project, which covers an area of 1735.36m2, was envisioned to be an experience center that re-creates the charm of canal culture in the east.

The Huai'fu Experience Center stands out among other Chinese style estate sales offices due to its application of an international view and modern techniques. Despite the challenges posed by the limited floor height and complex structure, the designer was able to create a space full of Chinese lingering charm. The space generatrix is applied with the method of three entries for Chinese buildings, presenting a functional layout that performs the oriental space charm with modern technique and texture.

The project was realized using main materials such as ancient wood stone, tundra grey stone, silver pear wood, wood grain aluminum sheet, and yellow bronze. The result is a harmonious blend of buildings and nature, where mountains and stones form a garden, and flowers and wood create light and shadow. This design approach is a reflection of Bingbing Zhu's respect for geographical features and the desire to forge a harmonious co-existence of buildings and nature.

The Huai'fu Experience Center project was started in August 2019 and completed in November 2019. It is a testament to Bingbing Zhu's ability to overcome creative and technical challenges, and to create a design that stands out for its unique expression of Chinese style and its visual feast of Chinese style with the language of art.

The project's unique properties and innovative design approach earned it the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. It is a recognition of the project's strong technical characteristics, splendid artistic skill, and its ability to introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.