Shang Ju: A Tranquil Oasis Amidst Urban Bustle

Lichen Ding's Award-Winning Hotel Design Marries Minimalism with Traditional Chinese Culture

Lichen Ding's design philosophy for Shang Ju was centered around creating a space that allows for both functional separation and visual transparency. The layout, reminiscent of a Chinese courtyard, perfectly embodies this vision. The design does not rely on an abundance of elements; instead, it embraces minimalism as a reflection of Chinese traditional culture. Techniques from ink painting have been employed, with careful consideration given to the arrangement of objects and lines, creating a dense and rhythmic artistic effect.

The unique properties of Shang Ju lie in its innovative interpretation of traditional Chinese culture. The design breaks away from stereotypical, sluggish landscape images, instead creating a beautiful, rhythmic, and flexible artistic effect. The hotel's design is realized using a variety of materials including wood finishes, cloth, stainless steel wire, metal, and stone.

Shang Ju spans five stories, with a lobby space on the first floor and rooms on the other floors. Each floor measures 20 meters in length and 35 meters in width, covering a total area of 3500 square meters. The first floor stands 4.7 meters high, while the other floors are 3.5 meters high. The design tags associated with the project include modern, diversified, open, natural, artistic, and relaxed.

The design process involved an early survey and analysis of the hotel's environment, research on local culture, and the application of these findings in the hotel's design. This approach has endowed the hotel with unique charm and competitiveness. The well-designed composition also enhances the charm of the lighting, with each light and shade reflecting the designer's thoughtful consideration.

Located in Yingshan, China, the project began in June 2017 and was completed in June 2018. The design faced challenges due to the short timeline, with survey, design, and construction happening simultaneously. Efficient communication and mutual trust were key to the success of the project. The design was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019, a testament to its outstanding and trendsetting creation.

Shang Ju is a testament to Lichen Ding's ability to seamlessly blend traditional Chinese culture with modern design principles. It offers a unique living experience, providing guests with a tranquil escape in the midst of a bustling city. The design is a perfect example of how art, architecture, and innovation can come together to create a space that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and emotionally soothing.