Wuhan Qingshanfang: A Nostalgic Lighting Design

Bringing the Spirit of Red WISCO to Life

Located in the Qingshan District of Wuhan, the Wuhan Qingshanfang project by Alex Xu and Partners is a captivating lighting design that pays homage to the rich heritage of Wuhan Iron and Steel Corporation (WISCO). With its unique features and nostalgic ambiance, this project stands out as a testament to the city's industrial past.

The inspiration for this design comes from the culture and spirit of red WISCO. By incorporating red brick houses and a red steel crown, the architecture reflects the era style of Wuhan Iron and Steel, creating a nostalgic feeling. The project also features various art areas, including exhibitions showcasing the renovation process of old buildings, the popular Zhongshuge bookstore, the retro cafe Youxin, and the Future Imagination community.

What sets the Wuhan Qingshanfang project apart is its location. Situated in the Qingshan district, it is nestled between the green hills, red houses, and the riverside environment. This prime location positions it as the first demonstration area north of the Yangtze River Qingshan river beach park and south of the Wuhan Iron and Steel Hongfang historical landscape conservation area. It is expected to become a livable cultural community in the Qingshan Riverside business section.

The lighting design plays a crucial role in bringing the project to life. With warm 3500K light, the custom-made lamps illuminate the red aluminum plate, creating the crown of red steel and transferring the red energy. This lighting design not only enhances the visual appeal but also carries forward the spirit of WISCO. The facade lighting, mainly internal transmitted light, simulates the candlelight atmosphere of the old red room, immersing visitors in a red community reminiscent of the red steel era.

Covering an impressive area of 4500 square meters, the lighting design in the Wuhan Qingshanfang project showcases the designers' commitment to high efficiency, energy-saving, environmental protection, and safety. The selection of lamps prioritizes green lighting, minimizing glare and ensuring comfort for both pedestrians and building occupants.

One of the main challenges faced by the designers was to create a modern lighting design that could simulate the candlelight atmosphere of the old house. By customizing the luminaries to match the era of WISCO, they successfully achieved the goal of expressing the future of the past and the rebirth of history.

The Wuhan Qingshanfang project started in June 2020 in Shenzhen and was completed in March 2021 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Its unique design and attention to detail have earned it recognition in the form of the Bronze A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category in 2022. This prestigious award celebrates designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

The Wuhan Qingshanfang project is not just a lighting design; it is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Wuhan. With its nostalgic ambiance and unique features, it offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the spirit of red WISCO and experience the rebirth of history.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: AlexXu&Partners
Image Credits: AlexXu&Partners
Project Team Members: Alex Xu,Liu Xiang,HongYu Deng ,Linda Dai
Project Name: WuHan QingShanFang
Project Client: AlexXu&Partners


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