The Nine Court Mansion project was born out of a desire to improve the quality of life for residents while also increasing recognition and appreciation for Chinese traditional culture. The design team drew inspiration from the spatial structure of the Chinese Palace, creating an axis layout and a three-pattern relationship. This approach allowed them to contemporarily express traditional homing etiquette and Chinese elements, providing residents with a unique living experience that is both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
The project was realized through a careful selection of materials and fabrication techniques. The team used a variety of materials, including Fuding imitation black water jet Weige Brick, Royal black matte surface marble, and Gris Pinto marble, among others. They also employed various fabrication techniques such as dry hang, water cutting, and traditional brackets. The result is a stunning residential landscape that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.
The Nine Court Mansion is more than just a residential landscape; it is an interactive space that encourages residents to engage with their environment. The design team utilized the long and narrow site condition to create a three-pattern relationship, achieving multiple homing feelings. By making rational use of different site heights, they were able to facilitate conversation among spaces. The outdoor space of the principal axis was combined with the empty space of the first floor in the building, creating an ultra-large experiential living pavilion that leads people from indoor to outdoor.
The project, which started in May 2018 and was completed in May 2019, was not without its challenges. The design team had to find a way to meet both the aesthetic and usage needs of people while also expressing traditional culture. After conducting a questionnaire, site analysis, and deep research on the Forbidden City, they were able to create an axis layout with three organized patterns that contemporarily expressed traditional homing etiquette.
The Nine Court Mansion project has been recognized for its innovative approach to design and its contribution to societal wellbeing. It was awarded the Platinum A' Landscape Planning and Garden Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, and contribute to societal wellbeing.
In conclusion, the Nine Court Mansion is a shining example of how design can be used to preserve and promote cultural identity. Through their innovative approach, Shenzhen IN Lab Design and Consultancy has created a residential landscape that not only improves the quality of life for residents but also increases recognition and appreciation for Chinese traditional culture. It is a testament to the power of design in shaping our world and preserving our cultural heritage.
Project Designers: Jian'an Zhou
Image Credits: Image #1:IN Lab Design and Consultancy,2019.Image #2:IN Lab Design and Consultancy,2019.Image #3:IN Lab Design and Consultancy,2019.Image #4:IN Lab Design and Consultancy,2019.Image #5:IN Lab Design and Consultancy,2019.
Project Team Members: Jianan Zhou
Xin Li
Jigang Li
Tiancai Liang
Xianlun Tao
Guowei Zhang
Fangfang
Qiuhui An
Jing Wang
Wei Chen
Yekun Zhou
Project Name: Nine Court Mansion
Project Client: Jian'an Zhou