Oriental Wisdom: Blending Tradition and Innovation in Design

A Fusion of Eastern Philosophy and Modern Functionality

The Oriental Wisdom design, created by Ting Hao Juan and Nien Chu Juan of HAOYANG Interior Design, is a captivating blend of traditional Eastern elements and contemporary aesthetics. This design project, completed in 2018 in Taipei City, Taiwan, aims to serve as a multifunctional space for members, cross-strait exchanges, education, and file storage. It embodies the essence of Chinese medical science and promotes the heritage and advancement of Eastern medical culture.

The designers drew inspiration from the growing trend of reconnecting with nature and the revival of Chinese medicine. By incorporating a significant amount of wooden materials, the space exudes a sense of warmth and closeness to nature. The design seamlessly integrates various functional needs, including reception, training, cross-strait exchanges, displaying, and storing, to create a space that not only looks visually stunning but also serves its purpose effectively.

The Oriental Wisdom design stands out with its unique properties and strengths. Instead of focusing solely on medical theories and historical perspectives, the designers aimed to create a space that reflects modern consumption awareness and the relationship between human behavior and the environment. The design incorporates Oriental elements such as herbal storing cabinets and scrolls, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and calmness. It not only pays homage to Eastern philosophy but also promotes the heritage and advancement of Chinese medical culture.

The realization of the Oriental Wisdom design involved the use of various materials, including stone, lacquered glass, metal, steel-brushed wood veneer, and a jade floor. The space is outlined by simple lines and pure color levels, creating a consistent and visually appealing environment. Stone, metal, and the jade floor add depth and layering, resulting in visual variation. The wooden interior facades, in light and dark shades, are adorned with delicate ink patterns and metal accents, creating a poetic and picturesque Eastern world under the light.

The Oriental Wisdom design caters to the specific needs of the Education and Training Center. With a total area of 132.24 square meters, it can accommodate up to 50 members. Movable partitions and whiteboards are embedded to enhance the sensible utilization of space, allowing for training and meetings. The black stone partitions, adorned with golden characters, harmonize with the luster from the jade floor, creating a delicate view that is perfect for group photos during cross-strait exchange programs.

One of the design's notable features is the interaction it offers. The dark wooden walls, resembling scrolls, create a sense of depth and hide the doors to other spaces, enhancing the overall visual experience. The space also features soft curves that create a continuous visual flow, while the ceiling decoration and display area imitate the shape and charm of compartmental cabinets for storing Chinese herbs, deepening the spirit of Eastern medical science.

The Oriental Wisdom design faced several challenges, including a low ceiling height of 2.07 meters, with the beam running through the long and narrow space, creating a sense of oppression. To overcome this, the designer opted for a wholly open form, keeping the front and back open and permeable. By incorporating gratings and stretching smooth curves from the ceiling to the floor, the designer successfully created a vivid visual flow, harmonizing the space with the beam.

The Oriental Wisdom design has received recognition for its outstanding creativity and ingenuity. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award honors designs that showcase strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.

The Oriental Wisdom design is a testament to the harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. It not only creates a visually stunning environment but also serves its purpose effectively, providing a space that promotes the heritage and advancement of Eastern medical culture.