Reviving History Through Design: Bill Xiong's "Past Time"

Blending Past and Present in Harbin's Sales Center

The design draws inspiration from Harbin's old buildings, particularly their red brick exterior walls. These walls have been incorporated into the interior design, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that evokes memories of the past. The art corridor features photographs of workers from the city's steelmaking plant, further strengthening the connection between the space and the city's history.

"Past Time" stands out for its unique fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. The project is a testament to Harbin's diverse culture and exotic atmosphere, often referred to as the Moscow of the East. The designer has extracted elements from traditional Harbin architecture and constructed a space that is both a memory of the past and a representation of modern luxury.

The project was realized using a red brick background wall, large-scale art installations, and artistic micro-jet photography works. The clean, minimalist leather is matched with luxurious bronze and golden frames, injecting modern elements into the historical tone. This balance between historical relics and contemporary design is what makes "Past Time" truly unique.

The design process was not without its challenges. Balancing historical and contemporary elements was both a difficulty and a key point of the design. The designer had to reflect and reorganize the city's history in a meaningful way, creating a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in historical significance.

The project has been recognized for its innovative approach to design, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, showcasing a remarkable level of excellence and introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.