The designers drew inspiration from Pierre Soulages' powerful and textured style of painting, which explores the changing relationship between black, line, and light. By using light as a design element, Hsieh and Lin have created a space that reflects and interacts with colors and textures, resulting in a natural rhythm that permeates the entire office.
One of the standout features of Concavity and Convexity is the use of galvanized mesh panels as screens and ceilings between staircases. These panels have a unique penetrating characteristic that allows light to filter through, creating natural ripples and an enchanting dance of light and shadow. This juxtaposition of contradictory elements gives the office space an artistic and stylish appearance.
The design also incorporates elements inspired by Soulages' paintings, such as black and white stripes and black mirrors. These elements create a visual interlacing effect, reminiscent of a time tunnel. Through the clever use of mirrors, light, and different materials, the depth of field is enhanced, resulting in a sense of spaciousness and intrigue.
Unlike traditional office ceilings, which often follow a symmetrical approach, Concavity and Convexity features asymmetrical collage carvings. This unconventional design choice allows the classical elements to be presented in a modern form, adding a touch of sophistication to the space.
The construction of Concavity and Convexity began in February 2021 and was completed in June 2021. Spanning a total of 1170 square meters, the two-story reception center in Taoyuan, Taiwan, includes a meeting area, audiovisual room, exhibition area, VIP room, pantry, and lounge.
One of the main challenges faced by the designers was the retrofitting of the original building. To overcome this, they utilized corrugated sheet and galvanized mesh panels, which are commonly associated with inexpensive materials used in factories and countryside bungalows in Taiwan. However, by employing a carefully curated color palette, structural elements, and classical design features, Hsieh and Lin elevated these materials, transforming them into symbols of modernity and technology.
Concavity and Convexity is a testament to the designers' ability to seamlessly blend classical and modern elements. The use of galvanized mesh panels, combined with light-penetrating materials, allows the space to showcase various expressions through the interplay of light and shadow. The black and white mirrored corridor, inspired by Pierre Soulages, creates an illusion of a time tunnel, inviting people to wander between the realms of classical and modern design.
Photography by Hezi Studio
Intellectual property rights belong to Form Space Design.
This exceptional design has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2022. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Concavity and Convexity stands out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.
Project Designers: Kevin Hsieh
Image Credits: Photographer: Hezi Studio
Project Team Members: Kevin Hsieh
Yunshuang Lin
Project Name: Concavity and Convexity
Project Client: Kevin Hsieh