Sukhavati: A Sanctuary of Minimalist Office Design

Tianbao Cai and Jianwu Zhang's Award-Winning Office Design

The inspiration behind Sukhavati is a return to the essence of space design. Rather than focusing on extravagant shapes and materials, the design team aimed to create a space that fulfills the functional needs of its users. The result is a quiet, spiritual world, crafted from simple, natural materials and colors. This design philosophy reflects the designers' belief that the purpose of creation is to serve others better.

Sukhavati's unique properties lie in its commitment to the essence of matter. The design team sought to create a value based on the essential combination of needs, resulting in a tranquil office space that caters to designers' spiritual needs. The use of space-based stratified structures hides all practical functional spaces, allowing users to focus on their work without distractions.

The design was realized using white microcrystalline stone, white latex paint, grey marble, wooden floor, and 10mm tempered glass. The total area of the project is 240 sq.m, divided into a design department (80 sq.m), an engineering department (90 sq.m), and a soft assembly department (70 sq.m). The project started in February 2017 in Quanzhou, China, and finished in March 2018.

Two main challenges were addressed in the design process: space function and lighting construction. To meet the space function, the designers used a height-staggered space to improve space utilization, vision, light, and proportion. They also employed two lighting methods to hide the light source and soften the entire space. Intelligent lighting tools were used to change the color temperature of the lamp according to mood and weather conditions.

The design team faced the challenge of using simple materials to create a quiet office space that promotes mental and physical tranquility. The entire design revolves around creating a safe working environment, considering factors such as space, lighting, air circulation, and sight. The designers struck a balance between time and space, allowing time to extend the limitations of space and make the space more imaginative.

In conclusion, Sukhavati is a shining example of minimalist office design. It demonstrates that simplicity and functionality can coexist to create a serene and efficient workspace. The design's success, as evidenced by its Silver A' Design Award, is a testament to the power of returning to the essence of design and prioritizing the needs of the user.