Shanghai Xijiao: A Hotel Design Inspired by Nature's Dawn

A Vivid New Chinese Feel in the Heart of Shanghai

The design of Shanghai Xijiao hotel draws inspiration from the beauty of nature's dawn. Liang Ding and Yuefeng Zhou, the designers behind this project, aimed to create a warm and inspiring atmosphere that provides spiritual healing for guests. The hotel serves as a temporary home for those who are away from home, offering a sense of comfort and tranquility.

Xijiao Hotel, located in the suburbs of Shanghai, is a converted villa spanning five floors and covering approximately 1,000 square meters. The design concept revolves around a vivid new Chinese feel, evident from the ceiling to the stone layout on the floor. The ceiling is adorned with black painting and grey stainless steel plates, allowing hidden light to pass through the gaps. This unique design element integrates seamlessly with the stone flooring layout, creating a harmonious and poetic decor.

What sets Xijiao Hotel apart is its commitment to pure design. The use of materials, from wood veneer to latex paint and stone, showcases the designers' attention to detail. The decor exudes a sense of elegance and refinement, while still maintaining a warm and inviting ambiance. The combination of dark and gold colors adds a touch of luxury and sophistication, further enhancing the new Chinese feel of the space.

The realization of Xijiao Hotel involved a wide variety of materials and techniques. The walls feature wood veneer, latex paint, and stone, while the floors incorporate stone, carpet, reinforced wood flooring, and ceramic tiles. The furniture, lamps, and hardware were carefully selected to complement the overall theme of creating a homely environment that encourages relaxation and rest. The project encompasses a total area of 5,000 square meters, providing ample space for guests to unwind and rejuvenate.

One of the design's key features is the interaction between different elements. Gaps on the ceiling allow for the flow of light, creating a dynamic and visually striking effect. This design element seamlessly integrates with the stone flooring layout and other elevation features, resulting in a space that evokes warmth and tranquility. Xijiao Hotel is a testament to the designers' ability to create a unique and immersive experience for guests.

The project, which began in January 2019 in Changning, Shanghai, China, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by May 2020. The design team, led by Liang Ding and Yuefeng Zhou, conducted extensive research to ensure that the hotel embodies the essence of a new Chinese feel. Their goal was to create a space that not only reflects the vibrancy of Shanghai but also allows guests to connect with their inner selves.

The design of Xijiao Hotel presented several challenges, particularly in terms of rearranging existing pipes to align with the overall design. The underground restaurant area posed a significant obstacle, requiring careful consideration of pipe layout and cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, a simplistic arrangement of pipes in clean lines was chosen, resulting in an exposed ceiling that exudes a sense of cleanliness and simplicity.

Shanghai Xijiao hotel is a testament to the designers' ability to blend art, architecture, and design seamlessly. The project has been recognized for its excellence, receiving the Iron A' Design Award in 2020 in the category of Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design. This prestigious accolade is awarded to designs that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and adherence to professional and industrial standards. Xijiao Hotel is a true reflection of the designers' commitment to creating spaces that contribute to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Yuefeng ZHOU
Image Credits: Yuefeng ZHOU
Project Team Members: Liang DING and Yuefeng ZHOU
Project Name: Shanghai Xijiao
Project Client: Yuefeng ZHOU


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