Liantan Shi: A Lobby Inspired by the Beauty of Lotus Ponds

Reshaping Space with Sculptural Design

Liantan Shi, designed by Jack Chen Ya Chang and Angela Chen Shu Lin, is a lobby that draws inspiration from the serene beauty of lotus ponds. Located in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, this lobby captures the essence of Lianchi Lake, known for its lotus-filled waters and cultural significance. With its unique spatial reshaping and artistic elements, Liantan Shi stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and design.

The lobby of Liantan Shi is a 14-floor residential building situated along the shore of the lotus pond. Upon entering, visitors are immediately captivated by a striking feature—a massive shaft that resembles a towering column. Jack Chen, the designer, initially struggled to integrate this imposing structure into the lobby's design. However, he found the answer in the blooming lotus flowers that grace the surface of the pond.

To reshape the space and create a visual focus, Jack Chen employed a sculptural approach. The entrance features a large curved ceiling with a wood texture, forming a base at the bottom of the curve. On the right side, the shaft column is transformed into an ellipse, surrounded by three lotus petals. This design evokes the image of a budding lotus, symbolizing the connection between the lobby and the natural beauty of Lianchi Lake.

Continuing the theme of spatial reshaping, the restroom in Liantan Shi is adorned with a curved wooden texture wall that extends to the ceiling. Below, a floor-standing bookcase becomes the protagonist of the space. These design choices create a cohesive and visually stunning environment, further enhancing the lobby's unique appeal.

Measuring 971 cm in width, 925 cm in depth, and 582 cm in height, Liantan Shi covers an area of 92 square meters. The lobby's design showcases the use of fair-faced concrete, curved skin, and natural materials, emphasizing a connection to the surrounding environment.

Completed in September 2019, the Liantan Shi project took approximately ten months to finish. The design team, consisting of Jack Chen and Angela Chen, meticulously researched and implemented spatial reshaping techniques to create a lobby that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.

Liantan Shi has received recognition for its outstanding design. In 2020, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

The images accompanying this article showcase the beauty and uniqueness of Liantan Shi. Image credits go to Pin-Yu Chen and Ar Her Kuo Studio.