Yiming Li's Pine: A Fusion of East and West in Lobby Design

Award-winning design inspired by China's Mount Huang Shan welcomes guests with a modern twist on traditional culture.

In the heart of Beijing's Zhongguancun Science Park, a unique lobby design stands as a testament to the fusion of traditional Chinese culture and modern Western art. The design, aptly named "Pine," draws inspiration from the welcome-pine of China's most famous mountain, Mount Huang Shan. This innovative design by Yiming Li was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018.

The Pine lobby design is a remarkable blend of form and function. The four pillars and connected beams, shaped to resemble the welcoming pine, symbolize a warm greeting to all visitors and staff. The use of mirror stainless steel to decorate the columns and beams adds a modern artistic atmosphere to the lobby. The floor, adorned with vitrified tiles imported from Italy, features impressions of traditional Chinese ink painting, further enhancing the cultural fusion.

The design's unique properties extend beyond its aesthetic appeal. The lobby incorporates perforated metallic panels for sound absorption, reducing echo and enhancing the overall acoustic quality of the space. The choice of vitrified tiles over marble for the floor not only reflects the design's artistic vision but also reduces maintenance costs. A radiant heating system under the floor ensures a comfortable temperature during winter, further lowering heating costs.

The Pine lobby design was realized through the use of 3D printing technology, which ensured precision in the large mirror stainless steel components and facilitated installation. This was particularly crucial given the tight building period stipulated by the owner. The design, covering an area of about 800 square meters, was completed in March 2017.

Yiming Li's design team, including Xiang Lv and Chao Fei Shi, conducted extensive research to express the hospitality of the space. The project aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere through the tree-shaped stainless steel sculptures, metallic blocks extending from the reception to the ceiling, and water-drop shaped membranes providing illumination. The use of recycled metallic materials with long durability also contributes to the design's economic and environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, the Pine lobby design is a testament to the power of design to create a welcoming atmosphere, fuse cultures, and promote sustainability. It reflects Yiming Li's commitment to creating spaces that not only serve their functional purpose but also engage with their cultural context and the wider environment. The Golden A' Design Award it received is a fitting recognition of this innovative and impactful design.