Creative Incubators: A Masterpiece of Rui Zhao

Transforming a Temporary Structure into a Sustainable Office Space

The inspiration for the design came from the original structure itself. The intricate steel structure and spherical grille, despite their complexity due to multiple transformations, revealed an unintentional beauty that instantly captivated the designer. This led to the decision to retain and expose the original steel structure, extending its traces throughout the design.

Unique to this design is the use of a layer of transparent film indoors. The original building was a single layer membrane structure, which resulted in a significant loss of indoor energy. The transparent film not only helps to conserve energy but also allows natural light to permeate the room, enhancing the beauty of the bare structure.

The main colors chosen for the design were a light gray and wood color combination. This choice not only provides a sense of ease but also complements the variability of the space. The materials used in the realization of the design include lamp film, steel, glass, latex paint, and Russian pine.

The design features a large public activity area for various events such as exchanges, receptions, press conferences, and lectures. The space is divided into office areas, public areas, product display areas, conference rooms, and cafes, promoting an active and communicative environment. To further enhance the atmosphere, numerous plants were planted and multiple stairs were set up indoors, allowing people to move freely within the space.

The project, which covers an area of 4200 square meters, was designed in April 2016 in Shanghai. Despite the complexity of the original structure, Rui Zhao and his team managed to retain the raw beauty of the structure, making it a defining aesthetic of the era and a testament to the advancement of art, science, design, and technology.