At the start of the design process, the original store’s lush greenery and light interplay left a deep impression on us. We were reminded of the distinctive organized order in Chinese architecture, which emphasizes central axis symmetry and the spatial artistry of circular heavens and square earth. Traditional Chinese architectural layouts excel in axial symmetry, so we followed this principle, using a rectangular flow to perfect the spatial arrangement.
Project Name: Lingyin Cultural and Creative Pavilion
Studio Name: Ondo Studio
Project Location: Building No. 1, Feilai Peak Scenic Area, Lingyin, Xihu District, Hangzhou, China
Project Area: 50㎡
Design Time: 2024.01
Completion Time: 2024.05
Lead Designers: Ruonan Cheng, Bingyu Wang
Detailed Design: Xinxin Hong
Photography: SZJ
In traditional Chinese architecture, wooden structures are common, with main components like columns, beams, and purlins connected using mortise and tenon joints, forming a flexible framework. We adopted this concept indoors to create a framework structure that partitions while connecting different areas. Balancing sales and storage was crucial, and early on, we chose red as the store’s main color theme, aiming to design a cultural and creative shop that breaks conventional norms.
The variety of blind boxes and decorative items at the Lingyin Cultural and Creative Pavilion exceeded our expectations. Thus, showcasing these products effectively became a key focus. We decided to make the visual center of the store dedicated to this area, with the shopping flow revolving around a central long table designed to display these products.
For the indoor wall-mounted sales system, we chose perforated panels for the final display form. The drawers below use traditional mortise and tenon joints, eliminating conventional metal rails, resulting in a more lightweight and precise overall craftsmanship.
On the left side, there is a large magnetic perforated board for displaying refrigerator magnets. The unrestricted magnetic format allows for easy rearrangement to create different displays according to the season or holiday.
The combination of perforated boards and metal grids meets various product display and sales needs. The top design incorporates mortise and tenon joints with vertical panels and horizontal extensions to enhance the visual effect, integrating washi paper elements to simulate lantern texture, creating a warm and soft atmosphere.
The left-side retail wall is designated for selling bracelets, with a horizontal support between two perforated boards for hanging and displaying them. The lower area and the wall itself are used for placing and showcasing merchandise.
The store’s logo is a highlight at the entrance. Located in the Lingyin Temple Scenic Area, it is crucial to attract passing visitors. We recommended placing the logo above the building. The layered red panels enhance the entrance with a modern Chinese aesthetic.
We aimed to recapture the purest form of craftsmanship through attention to detail. For storage, we eliminated conventional metal rails, opting for wooden interlocking joints for the drawers. This intricate, time-consuming approach compared to modern industrial production methods reintegrates traditional woodworking techniques into a contemporary shop, honoring and reviving artisanal craftsmanship.
