The washroom on the 7th floor of Deji Plaza Phase I draws inspiration from the ambiance of a traditional study, echoing the rhythm of calligraphy—its structure, progression, variation, and unity—through spatial articulation. Architectural forms and flowing lines guide visitors into an experience reminiscent of leafing through ink-filled scrolls.
Project Name: Deji Plaza Phase I, 7th Floor Washroom
Studio Name: X+Living Architecture and Interior Design
Image credit: SFAP
The spatial design adopts a double-layered shell, reminiscent of a half-open thread-bound Chinese book. The inner surface features classic Western motifs such as Roman-style wainscoting and decorative reliefs, reminiscent of ornate title pages in antique volumes. Outside, horizontal metal-wood grids layer the façade with a rhythmic visual texture, symbolizing the neat order of turning pages. Together, these elements quietly embed a contemplative study within the vibrant city context.
At the entrance, Cloudora Gray marble flooring is complemented by sweeping black arcs traced across the ceiling and ground—visually echoing margin notes on a manuscript. These lines gently lead visitors inward, while also resonating with the curvilinear paths of the adjacent public garden area.
Along the corridor, three display areas unfold in sequence, mimicking the slow, deliberate tempo of reading. Architectural contours define vertical segments, while curved lines on the ground and walls weave the zones together—like brushstrokes flowing across paper. The first two zones feature rectangular benches flanked by dual-layered arc display tables showcasing books. Seating and shelving act as interpretive companions, encouraging moments of pause and interaction. Tables are crafted to align precisely with the walls, forming semi-enclosed areas. A rest nook bridges the two sections, leading to the final display space anchored by a central bookstand and surrounding seating.
The lounge serves as a secluded space for introspection, capturing the essence of “quiet reading, thoughtful mind.” A round table evokes the solidity of an inkstone, while crescent-shaped seats curve like the pages of an open book, creating an intimate alcove. A whimsical floor lamp emerges discreetly from the sofa, with its wiring hidden to maintain visual clarity.
In the wash area, a compact bookshelf installation sits atop a green marble basin. A custom pendant lamp takes the shape of a curling page—its spine affixed to the rod, and the glowing pages unfolding downwards—evoking the enlightenment books offer. Reflections in the mirror capture the light fixture, book rack, and the viewer’s image, composing a tableau of quiet contemplation and self-awareness, offering a pause amid the urban rush.
Here, calligraphy becomes spatial experience—every flowing line, warm wooden tone, and integrated moment of rest or reading resonates with cultural nuance. Within this commercial setting, the designer has carved out a serene mental space—where architecture becomes a vessel for poetic calm.
