Seeking Deer: A Visionary Blend of Art and Architecture

Kris Lin's Award-Winning Design Transforms Sales Office into a Contemporary Art Experience

The "Seeking Deer" project is situated adjacent to the commercial center of Jing'an Temple and the natural landscape of Zhongshan Park, key planning and development areas in Shanghai. The design inspiration for this project stemmed from the desire to create a reception center with a vibrant and artistic atmosphere. The two-story conversation area on the first floor is a significant highlight, featuring a large-scale floor-to-ceiling window that breaks the traditional definition of space, forming a visual connection and a display center akin to a contemporary art museum.

What sets this design apart is its unique use of a deer installation to make the space interesting. The deer symbolizes beauty, hope, and life, with its long antlers representing branches of hope. The metallic butterflies surrounding the deer give a sense of blooming life. This artistic installation is a testament to Lin's innovative approach to design, seamlessly integrating art, nature, and ecology into the space.

The project, spanning 19375 sq.ft, was executed between October 2018 and May 2019 in Shanghai, China. The design process involved breaking the second floor with a large-scale floor-to-ceiling window to create a visual connection. The "Deer of Life," a six-meter-long installation, was set up in the second-floor window area, visible to guests through the first-floor window. This unique feature adds an element of intrigue and wonder to the space.

Despite the initial challenge of a monotonous space, Lin and his team, including Jiayu Yang, transformed it into a vibrant and artistic reception center. The juxtaposition of the clear and fuzzy produced by the glass material, coupled with the "Deer of Life" installation, creates a visually captivating experience for visitors.

The "Seeking Deer" project's unique blend of art and architecture has earned it the prestigious Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, and the "Seeking Deer" project is a deserving recipient. Its unique design approach, technical excellence, and artistic flair have made it a beacon of innovative design in Shanghai's central area.