Encounter: A Unique Office Space by Hanliang Huang and Wenbai Xie

Blurring Boundaries and Creating Unexpected Encounters in a Design-Oriented Office Space

The design's unique properties lie in its ability to create a quiet space amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers an unexpected encounter, a chance meeting in the fusion of time, art, and space. The boundaries between the interior and exterior are blurred, creating different perspectives in the upper and lower parts of the room. The sunken reception area forms a visual and psychological sense of dislocation. Art is the language of the space, and decoration is not merely an embellishment.

The design was realized using Swedish Becco paint, micro cement, steel plate, transparent acrylic, and clear glass. These materials were chosen to embody the purity and natural essence of the space. The design is quiet, pure, fashionable, and artistic, reflecting the designers' commitment to creating a space that serves the needs of its users and improves their quality of life.

The design was created between February and July 2020 in Fujian Province, China. The designers faced the challenge of creating an art gallery supported by only one column, with the rest of the space enclosed in glass. Despite this challenge, they succeeded in creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The entrance of the office is retreated and opened laterally, creating a sense of ritual and planning people's behavior mode. The sunken sofa rest area offers a natural and pure resting space. The arc-shaped door opening softens the straight line shape of the space. The design reflects the philosophy that less is more and that art comes from life, and life is the essence of art.

Encounter has been recognized for its innovative design and was awarded Silver in A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2021. This award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and that introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.