Located in the Yuelai District of Chongqing’s Liangjiang New Area, City of Inspiration is a flagship mixed-use development by PowerChina Real Estate. It blends residential and commercial functions while honoring the area’s cultural heritage.
Project Name: City of Inspiration
Studio Name: Fun Connection
Location: Chongqing, China
Opening Date: September 28, 2024
Project Area: 45,746㎡
Photographer: Archie
Fun Connection was brought in to shape the commercial spaces, combining modern oriental aesthetics with local culture to create a vibrant and engaging community destination.
01 Façade Upgrade: Merging Heritage with Contemporary Design
The renovated sales center sets the tone for the district. Inspired by Yuelai culture, the west façade reinterprets classic red brick using modern materials, combining texture with glass and metal for a refined, historical look. Graphic decals, layered shapes, and arch elements in metal mesh add depth and maintain architectural integrity, enhancing both visual interest and cultural resonance.
02 Business Layout: Boosting Engagement and Community Life
The project spans four levels, each designed to support a mix of commerce, leisure, and cultural activities.
Ground Floor: Focuses on immersive retail with themed windows, greenery partitions, and interactive installations that invite exploration and social engagement.
Second Floor: Offers relaxed leisure and cultural spaces like a mock bakery, café, and art center, alongside practical services like clinics and convenience stores.
Third & Fourth Floors: Emphasize health and culture, featuring bookstores, craft shops, and small-scale art exhibits. Carefully curated displays and lighting encourage artistic expression and community interaction.
03 Signature IP: A Playful Cat Storytelling Experience
To create a memorable identity, Fun Connection developed a custom cat-themed sculpture series based on a whimsical day in the life of a Chongqing cat. Made from durable materials like resin and stainless steel, the sculptures are placed throughout the site to create surprise and emotional connection, turning public areas into story-driven social zones.
04 Public Spaces: Designing Warm, Livable Environments
Lighting and furniture were strategically planned to foster comfort and interaction. Custom seating, umbrellas, ambient lighting, and playful elements like water lights and sculptures create cozy gathering spots. The lighting design emphasizes atmosphere and emotion, using varied fixtures to produce a rhythmic, layered visual experience.
By blending history with modern aesthetics, and storytelling with functional design, Fun Connection has transformed City of Inspiration into a vibrant and inclusive urban space. The project not only honors its cultural roots but also strengthens commercial vitality and community cohesion.
