Located in an old apartment beside a park in Taipei City, Taiwan, The Box stands out with its retracted front yard, creating a broader entrance and allowing a hint of lush greenery to seep into the workspace. The warm daylight streams through the window lattice, casting ever-changing shadows that add depth and character to the space. The design is centered around the trace of lighting, creating a dynamic atmosphere throughout the day.
The integration of the adjacent cement wall at the side corridor, despite its marks of aging, further emphasizes the design's commitment to harmonizing with the environment. This thoughtful approach showcases the respect for materials and their inherent beauty.
The Box's unique properties lie in its use of natural elements and its attention to detail. The space features light walnut wood, veneer, steel, and glass, which come together to create an elegant and refined ambiance. The materials are presented in their most primitive forms, allowing their inherent qualities to shine through. Iron accessories, for example, retain their warmth as handicrafts while sparkling in cool color tones. The elegant wood texture adds a touch of finesse to the space.
The design also incorporates elements that enhance the interaction between the space and its users. Sunlight and clear shadows from the surrounding trees reflect on the glass, creating a play of light and shadow. Books are thoughtfully displayed, expressing their individual depth and knowledge. The overall design encourages participants to share their thoughts and engage in honest conversations, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
The challenges faced during the design process were overcome with innovative solutions. The structure of the beam-column is generously presented instead of being hidden, adding a unique architectural element to the space. The book wall and spiral staircase extend from the hall, creating a sense of openness and supporting the overall spaciousness of the office. The turnable bookcase serves as both a partition and an opening, connecting different areas and showcasing the varied layers and freedom of the space.
The Box is not just a workplace; it is a testament to the power of design in creating an environment that inspires and nurtures creativity. Studio. Ho Design has successfully transformed an old apartment into a vibrant and innovative office space that encourages collaboration, sparks ideas, and fosters a sense of community.
The Box, designed by Studio. Ho Design, was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2018 in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious award recognizes the design's practicality, innovation, and adherence to professional and industrial requirements. The Box truly contributes to a better world by integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics.
Project Designers: Studio.Ho Design Ltd.
Image Credits: #1: Photographer Kou-Min Lee, The Box Which Conceives Ideas, 2017.
#2: Photographer Kou-Min Lee, The Box Which Conceives Ideas, 2017.
#3: Photographer Kou-Min Lee, The Box Which Conceives Ideas, 2017.
#4: Photographer Kou-Min Lee, The Box Which Conceives Ideas, 2017.
#5: Photographer Kou-Min Lee, The Box Which Conceives Ideas, 2017.
Project Team Members: LIANG-YI LIAO
CHUN-YI HO
Project Name: The Box
Project Client: Studio.Ho Design Ltd.