Poet Studio: A Conforming Space with a Poetic Touch

Preserving History and Reviving Spaces

Located in Shishi City, Quanzhou, China, Poet Studio is a private office space housed within a historical building. The original structure, a typical Minnan style Fanzi Building with a history of five or sixty years, has been carefully preserved and integrated into the design. The main exterior wall of the building remains untouched, serving as the centerpiece of the space.

One of the key strengths of Poet Studio lies in its conformity to the original building. The design team, led by Zhiyong Bai, transformed the space into a private studio while keeping the architectural structure intact. The use of clear water concrete and old wooden boards as the main materials adds a rustic charm to the space, further enhancing its connection to the building's history.

Measuring 66 square meters, Poet Studio showcases simplicity and elegance. The walls are painted white, creating a clean and minimalist backdrop for creativity to flourish. Simple glass doors and windows allow natural light to flow in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

One of the most impressive aspects of Poet Studio is its seamless integration of the new structure with the original building. The design team carefully planned the space to ensure that the moving lines remained continuous, preserving the flow and harmony of the building. Thoughtful placement of windows allows for optimal natural light, catering to the needs and preferences of the occupants.

The design process for Poet Studio took place from December 2018 to February 2019, with construction completed in May and July 2019. Located in Gangtang Village, Xiangjiang Road, Renyi 45 Single House, this unique office space stands as a testament to the possibilities of reimagining old buildings.

Zhiyong Bai, along with interior designer Shanni Qiu, faced several challenges during the design and construction of Poet Studio. The most significant hurdle was planning the space to accommodate all the desired functions within a limited area. Additionally, preserving the historical legacy of the original building while seamlessly integrating it with the new design required careful consideration and expertise.

Poet Studio 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 is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

Poet Studio serves as a testament to the power of design to breathe new life into forgotten spaces. With its conformity to the original building and its poetic touch, this office space stands as a symbol of preservation, innovation, and the continuation of history.