Self Portrait: A Harmonious and Functional Office Design

Creating a Modern and Functional Workspace

This project, designed by Yung En Lin, transforms a 30-year-old mixed-use residential and commercial building into a spacious and functional office. By reimagining the space and incorporating innovative design elements, the office becomes a harmonious and modern environment for productivity and creativity.

Inspired by the need for new traffic flow and functions, the overall space is re-planned to maximize functionality. The use of cabinets and an island table creates a larger and more efficient workspace. The design embraces a pure color arrangement, expressing an open and bright spatial characteristic. The incorporation of arc design vocabulary creates a sense of harmony and progression throughout the space.

One of the unique properties of this design is the concept of "One Room / One Space / One Object." The layout considers the space as a continuous and single object, enlarging the feeling of the space and centralizing primary functions. The kitchen, designed as a solid cube in the middle of the interior, not only meets daily life needs but also distinguishes different attributes.

The colors and materials of the space are predominantly monochromatic, with shades of gray and white. This minimalist approach minimizes interference from the space design, allowing the focus to be on the people living and working in the space. The only pop of color comes from the wooden plywood wall of the kitchen, reflecting the real-life of the space users and adding warmth to the interior.

The ceiling design plays a crucial role in creating a unique atmosphere. The upward curved shape extends the height of the cabinet, reducing the feeling of pressure and allowing light to softly pass through the interior space. The continuous horizontal straight lines and curved lines of the ceiling, along with the curvy cabinet shape, create a consistent and continuous interior curve.

Flexibility and functionality are key aspects of this design. The designer incorporates a continuous curvy book wall for storing books and a wall and cabinet for displaying items. The "One Room" concept satisfies the need for segmenting the space based on different requirements. The glass sliding door can be opened when necessary, allowing for a seamless flow of space.

This office design project was completed in March 2020 in Taichung City, Taiwan. It required careful consideration of balancing present and future functions, as the space may potentially be converted into a residential area. The use of design techniques such as push-up ceilings, mirrors, and room layout compositions creates an expanded spatial feeling while maintaining a pure and harmonious environment.

Yung En Lin's design for this office space has been recognized for its excellence. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2021. This prestigious award acknowledges the outstanding creativity and resourcefulness of the design, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: YUNG-EN LIN
Image Credits: YUNG-EN LIN
Project Team Members: YUNG-EN LIN
Project Name: Selfportrait
Project Client: YUNG-EN LIN


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