Workspace Zhu: A Masterstroke in Office Design

CHU-studio's Award-Winning Design Transforms Limited Space into a Visual Masterpiece

Alfie Shao, Fang-Yu Shao, and Yu-Wei Lin, the designers behind Workspace Zhu, have created a unique office space that challenges conventional design norms. Despite the limited 100 square meter area, the team employed minimal partitions to make the most of the space. To visually enlarge the space, they used mirror material to bring external greenery, light, and shadow into the interior, creating a "second nature".

The design also features glass curtain-walled facades that offer an unimpeded view of both the front park and the backyard. This allows natural light to penetrate deeper within the office, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The picturesque windows enable the designers to interact with the weather and the environment, providing a relaxing atmosphere after a long day of design work.

CHU-studio's design philosophy is evident in Workspace Zhu. The studio, which positions itself as a "design studio" rather than a "design firm", is committed to improving the quality of space, epitomizing the power and beauty of architecture, and staying true to the designers' persistence in tectonic and material. This approach has led them to explore more possibilities in space through issue discussion, material innovation, and digital fabrication.

One of the challenges the designers faced was focusing on the details and assembly of materials while staying true to their original faith. This involved using simple and unadorned materials in their true identities. By combining materials such as concrete, iron components, and timber, they designed a pure space that illustrates an attitude toward culture and art. This combination of industrial calculation and rational design shows their love for architecture.

Workspace Zhu is a testament to the designers' ability to overcome challenges and create an innovative and functional design. The project, which was completed in May 2011 in Taipei City, Taiwan, showcases the designers' commitment to improving the quality of space and their persistence in tectonic and material. With its unique design features and award-winning status, Workspace Zhu is an inspiring example of innovative office design.