Wooden Boxes: A Multifunctional Office Design by Shen Qiang

A Harmonious Combination of Tradition and Modernity

Located in the Shikumen building in Jingan District, Shanghai, the 1305 studio office is a space with multiple creative functions. It serves not only as a hub for architecture, interior, and graphic design but also as a venue for fashion shows, art exhibitions, cocktail lounges, and professional lectures. With a keen interest in Shanghai Lane Culture, the architects aimed to create a harmonious combination of tradition and modernity within this 3300 sq. ft space. The result is a successful attempt at blending the old and the new.

The language of the space is the box. Wooden boxes are scattered throughout the office, either piled up or separated freely, creating a space of unlimited possibilities. This unique design allows people to easily adapt and communicate, fostering a sense of joy and collaboration.

The wooden boxes, made of oak, serve as storage units and can be customized to fit specific needs. Through careful calculations, the designers ensured that the boxes are of accurate size, enabling the space to showcase different functions. The heights of the boxes are 15cm and 30cm, and they can be freely combined and superposed to create various heights. The wooden doors are designed to consider both spatial variability and privacy.

The versatility of the space is evident in its various functions. On weekends, the office space transforms into a party venue, with the front desk turning into a DJ counter and a 7-meter-long screen displaying psychedelic images. The wooden box T station allows for small fashion shows, while the folded bookshelves create a cozy library. The space can also accommodate art exhibitions and professional speeches, with the wooden supports doubling as sitting stools.

The project started in January 2013 and was completed in October 2013 in Shanghai, China. The design team, led by Shen Qiang and Feng Cheng cheng, successfully overcame creative, technical, and research challenges to bring this multifunctional office design to life.

The Wooden Boxes design by Shen Qiang was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2014. This prestigious award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. The design showcases a remarkable level of excellence, combining strong technical characteristics with splendid artistic skill, and evoking positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.