Eclectic Elegance: The Cedar Art Center by Kelly Lin

An Aesthetic Experience Space Blending History, Modernity, East, and West

Designing the Cedar Art Center, Lin drew inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences - the old and the new, the Eastern and Western cultures, nature, and human creativity. This resulted in a unique aesthetic experience space that transcends market trends and fashion, embodying a timeless spirit of eclecticism.

Located in the sub-center of Yangchun Lake, the Cedar Art Center is adjacent to the bustling Wuhan high-speed rail station. Despite its urban setting, the center maintains a close connection with nature, offering an eco-friendly lifestyle steeped in art and culture. This juxtaposition of the natural and urban landscapes is one of the design's unique properties, setting it apart from conventional art spaces.

The realization of this design involved a careful integration of real structure and imaginative elements. Lin employed a variety of artistic techniques to create a sense of depth and contrast within the space. The use of flowing colors, overlapping forms, and cross-cutting patterns adds an element of serendipity to the overall design.

The Cedar Art Center is adorned with elements reminiscent of traditional water ink painting, a technique that captures the charm and fluidity of water. This traditional art form is given a contemporary twist through the use of modern art techniques and materials. The designer's choice of original GUGIANO furniture, artist-hand-painted tabletops, ink dot patterned carpets, and simple wall-mounted pendants further accentuates the space's cultural prominence.

Despite the challenges posed by the project's eclectic nature, Lin successfully combined unconventional forms and artistic skills to create a space of unlimited possibilities. The Cedar Art Center is not just a structured story of designers and wares; it is a space that accommodates visitors' expectations and aspirations for ceremonies, fostering a strong and inclusive atmosphere of culture and art.

Completed in December 2020, the Cedar Art Center has already received international recognition, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2022. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Lin's innovative approach to design, which prioritizes cultural expressions and humanistic harmony.