Zeal Design: Redefining Office Spaces with Curves and Purity

A Unique Blend of Chinese Landscape and Minimalism

Zeal Design, created by Chengyi Chen and Xiaojie Shen, is a groundbreaking office space that challenges traditional notions of design. Inspired by the beauty of Chinese landscapes, this project embraces curves and minimalism to create a serene and immersive environment.

The designers' deconstruction of Chinese landscapes is evident in the curves on the ground and the curved walls within the space. By reimagining the original structure, Zeal Design offers a unique experience where visitors feel like they are "in the landscape" rather than merely observing it. This sense of "meandering" and "flowing" is spread throughout the space, creating an impermanent aura of repetition, transformation, and ups and downs.

One of the standout features of Zeal Design is its extreme white visual experience. The entire space is enveloped in pure white, from the top of the walls to the wood surfaces, metal plates, leather, ceramics, and ultra-white glass. This deliberate choice of color embodies the aesthetic concept of "purity" and "stillness," providing a calming and focused atmosphere.

In terms of material and installation art, Zeal Design prioritizes sustainability and environmental consciousness. The walls are coated with white environmental protection paint, reducing the use of non-renewable resources. Additionally, all the installations are handcrafted using eco-friendly materials such as super light clay, fabrics, and clothing. This commitment to using environmentally friendly materials aligns with the designers' vision of reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

With a project area of 180 square meters, Zeal Design serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. Chengyi Chen and Xiaojie Shen led the design team, ensuring that every aspect of the space reflects their vision and storytelling. The hanging pictures and artistic installations were meticulously designed and made by the designers themselves, further enhancing the thematic cohesion of the space.

Despite facing challenges such as the inability to alter the original building structure and working within a limited budget, Zeal Design successfully meets the functional demands of an office space. The design seamlessly integrates the central air conditioning system within the ceiling, which appears as a three-piece inclined roof in the corridor. This clever use of lighting and architectural elements enhances the guidance and flow of the gray space.

Zeal Design was completed between May 2, 2020, and September 17, 2020. The project has garnered recognition and acclaim, receiving the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious award celebrates designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Zeal Design, with its fusion of Chinese landscape inspiration and minimalist aesthetics, redefines the concept of office spaces. Its unique blend of curves, purity, and sustainability creates an environment that fosters creativity, focus, and tranquility.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chengyi Chen
Image Credits: Photography: RUCHU
Project Team Members: Chengyi Chen and Xiaojie Shen
Project Name: Zeal Design
Project Client: Chengyi Chen


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