Skynet: A Modern Design Inspired by Ancient Traditions

Shanghai's Fishing Heritage Reimagined in Kris Lin's Award-Winning Design

The Skynet project is located in Shanghai, a city that has evolved from a small fishing village to a bustling metropolis. The design concept was inspired by the fishing nets used by the early inhabitants of the city. The net, a symbol of the city's past, is reimagined as a modern design element, creating a space that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in local culture.

The structure of Skynet is based on the warp knitted knotless net, a type of fishing net used by fishermen. This net is created using a Raschel Warp Knitting Machine, which weaves warp yarns into a net. The resulting structure is smooth, wear-resistant, light in weight, stable, and high in knot strength. The design team, led by Kris Lin and Jiayu Yang, incorporated this structure into the ceiling of the space, creating a unique and visually striking design feature.

The main material used in the ceiling is wood, which was chosen for its lightness and reliability. The wood was crafted using traditional Chinese woodworking techniques, specifically the method of joggling, which involves inserting a tenon into a mortice hole or groove. This technique, which is commonly used in traditional Chinese furniture, was innovatively applied to the ceiling design.

The color scheme of the space is predominantly white, which was chosen to enhance the sense of space and brightness. The white ceiling and floor create a modern, minimalist aesthetic, while also highlighting the intricate details of the skynet structure. The overall effect is a space that is both expansive and intimate, modern and traditional.

The Skynet project was exhibited in Shanghai in August 2016. It is a testament to the power of design to reinterpret and transform cultural heritage, and a celebration of the city's history and evolution. The project's innovative use of traditional techniques and materials, combined with a modern aesthetic, has earned it the prestigious Platinum A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2017.

In conclusion, Skynet is a unique design project that successfully merges the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. It is a celebration of Shanghai's cultural heritage, reimagined in a contemporary context. Through innovative design and thoughtful interpretation of cultural symbols, Kris Lin and his team have created a space that is both a tribute to the past and a vision of the future.