Jenga Windows: A Revolutionary Commercial Space Design

Kris Lin's Award-Winning Design Inspired by Childhood Building Blocks

The concept of Jenga Windows was born out of Lin's fascination with the classic Jenga game, invented by Friedrich Froebel, the "father of early childhood education". The game, originally intended as an educational tool, involves arranging, combining, and symmetrising blocks to create different geometrical structures. Lin took this simple concept and transformed it into a complex architectural design, demonstrating the limitless possibilities of creativity and design.

Jenga Windows stands out from other commercial space designs due to its unique properties. The building blocks are scattered in an asymmetrical yet well-arranged manner, creating a sense of volume and depth. The use of large French windows extends the building to the commercial façades, allowing the interior functions to be fully presented on the building's exterior. This innovative approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building but also reflects some of the interior functions on the façades.

The realization of this design involved the use of various materials, including aluminum plate, wood, marble, and concrete. The design team, led by Kris Lin and Jiayu Yang, utilized 3Dmax software to create the model based on the Jenga concept. The color red was chosen for its visual impact and its representation of China's heritage, as the client is the Powering Group, whose logo is a dragon.

The project, located in Shanghai, started in April and was completed in August. The design team conducted thorough research on the site to understand the customer's needs and preferences. The main challenge was setting the functions and making use of the cantilever window to create a lot of space. Despite these challenges, the team managed to create a design that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

Jenga Windows has been recognized for its innovative design and architectural excellence, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill. Jenga Windows, with its unique concept and remarkable execution, truly embodies these qualities.