Bookish Atmosphere: A Fusion of Ancient Aesthetics and Modern Functionality

Li Zhang's Award-Winning Design Melds History and Innovation in a Unique Sales Center

Li Zhang's design project, "Bookish Atmosphere," is a striking blend of ancient aesthetics and modern functionality. Located amidst historical sites, this sales center is an embodiment of the elegant charisma of Jinling, the ancient capital, and its rich literary tradition. The design has been recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2021.

The "Bookish Atmosphere" project is a testament to Li Zhang's innovative approach to design. Drawing inspiration from the historical and architectural features of Jinling, Zhang has created a space that is both authentic and contemporary. The building's exterior, based on the characteristics of ancient Jinling structures, is subtly infused with modern aesthetics. The result is a building that exudes a bookish charm, subtly reflecting the cultural richness of Jinling.

What sets this design apart is its unique use of bricks. Zhang has redefined bricks as the spirit of the space, creating a sense of order through the gaps between them. This sense of order is further enhanced by RoarchiRenew, a technology that Zhang has brilliantly incorporated into the design process. The result is a space that is not only visually appealing but also functional and orderly.

The project, spanning 1269 square meters, is a harmonious blend of elegance and modern art. It showcases a state of composure and nimbleness, while also creating orderly traffic flows. This is achieved through the artistic adornment that reflects the bookish atmosphere, and the subtly luxurious outdoor environment. The design is consistent throughout, from the interior to the exterior.

Zhang's design also incorporates elements of the natural scenery of Nanjing, a city known for its mountains, water, cities, and forests. The sleek mountain-like embellishment on the top of the building captures the picturesque natural scenery. This design skill of borrowed scenery, a technique used in ancient gardens, establishes the traffic flows in the space, inviting people to explore a contemporary garden.

One of the challenges Zhang faced during the design process was capturing the memory of water, a significant element in Nanjing's local civilization. This was achieved by combining water-like adornments and landscapes. The result is a space that artistically resembles a river flowing under a bridge and by a mountain, creating rhythms in the air as light shines and water flows.

The "Bookish Atmosphere" project is a testament to Li Zhang's innovative approach to design. It is a unique blend of ancient aesthetics and modern functionality, a space that is both visually appealing and functional. The design has been recognized with a Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Li Zhang
Image Credits: Image #1-5: Photographer Yan Zheng, Bookish Atmosphere Overspreading Jinling, 2019.
Project Team Members: Designer: Li Zhang
Project Name: Bookish Atmosphere
Project Client: Li Zhang


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