A Dance of Light and Shadow

Office Design Blends Nature and Industrial Style

The project, located on the first floor of a quiet community house in downtown Taoyuan, Taiwan, showcases a unique blend of nature and industrial style. Inspired by the desire to reduce plastic usage and create a harmonious environment, the main focus of the design is on light, shadow, and the interplay of virtual reality.

With a park full of greenery, wind, and sunshine in front of the office, the space seamlessly integrates the outdoor elements into the indoor environment. The shade created by sunlight mapping introduces a natural poetry, while the wind and shadow from outside become an integral part of the interior. This design not only cherishes the beauty of nature but also aligns with the sustainable spirit of environmental protection.

The office spans 149 square meters and features an open and ventilated layout. Instead of traditional compartments, the designer opted for wooden grilles, bordered glass partitions, and iron cabinets to divide the space. The grilles, reminiscent of tree reflections, create a lively and interesting lighting interaction, resembling swaying leaves.

One of the challenges in the design was to strike a balance between privacy and transparency. The supervisor's office, for instance, uses striped glass resembling wood grains to cleverly preserve privacy while maintaining a sense of openness. Additionally, the circular arc-shaped hollow space in the center of the first floor, along with strategically placed windows and glass on the second floor, ensures proper lighting and ventilation while considering feng shui principles.

The design also incorporates black iron parts, gray-black wood veneers, and white wall counters to create a distinctive industrial tone. The combination of these elements highlights the characteristic style of the space, emphasizing simplicity and a sense of rightness.

The office design not only enhances the working environment for employees but also allows them to connect with nature. Large windows provide views of the surrounding greenery, allowing employees to relax and rejuvenate after work. As the day progresses, the ever-changing light and shadow become the most captivating decoration in the space, resembling dancers gracefully moving through the room. Even indoors, the residents can feel the dynamic changes of the outdoor environment, accumulating more energy and inspiration.

The project was completed in November 2019 and has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that showcase creativity, resourcefulness, and technical expertise, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

Image Credits: Yueh Hsiang Chou, 2020