Yongqing Square: A Zen Tea House Fusing Tradition and Modernity

YongMing He's Award-Winning Interior Design in Guangzhou's Old City

YongMing He drew inspiration from the spirit of the tea ceremony, a practice known for its purity and elegance. The location of the project, Xiguan, is an old city in Guangzhou, known for its gray brick buildings and bluestone floors. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, Yongqing Square stands as a serene haven, a "big faint in the city of quiet".

The designer's unique approach to this project was to create diverse spatial experiences within a narrow space. Different tea partitions were designed to provide varied experiences for the visitors. The extensive use of bamboo elements against the original cement walls of the building creates a balance between nature and industry, resulting in a tranquil Zen tea house. The strategic use of narrow light adds a layer of mystery and quietness to the space.

The realization of this design was achieved through the use of various materials including Grice Gray Marble, White Wood Grain Marble, Ashland Gray Marble, Bangdi Crystal Floor, To Plastic, Bamboo, 304 Gray Stainless Steel Sandblasted Surface, Wall Cloth, Antique Brick, Paint Glass, Gray Latex Paint, and White Latex Paint. The project, spanning an area of 180 square meters, was completed over a period of six months.

The design is characterized by its environmental consciousness, natural elements, and a unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. The blueprint of the design was based on traditional Chinese cursive, with bamboo serving as the ink. This resulted in a unique spatial device art that contrasts the rough and public wooden grille, creating a richer sense of hierarchy and rhythm in the space.

Yongqing Square is a testament to the designer's ability to create a serene environment that invites introspection and tranquility. A pot of tea, a book, a fragrance, and this beautifully designed space can transport one to a worry-free aesthetic environment.

This design project has been recognized for its excellence and was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.