Excerpt: Lingyin Cultural and Creative Pavilion, a retail interior project by Ondo Studio, features a design inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. The store layout follows central axis symmetry, using rectangular movement flow for spatial arrangement. An indoor framework structure was created for partitioning and connecting different areas. The main color theme is red, aiming to create a cultural and creative shop that challenges conventional norms.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architect] At the initial stage of design, upon seeing the original store, the designers were moved by the lush branches and interplay of light and shadow. They recalled that a distinctive feature of Chinese architecture is its organized order, emphasizing central axis symmetry and the spatial artistry of circular heavens and square earth. Traditional Chinese architectural space layout excels in axial symmetry. Thus, in this design, the layout follows the principle of central axis symmetry, utilizing a rectangular movement flow to perfect the spatial arrangement.
Wooden structures are the mainstream in traditional Chinese architecture, composed of main components such as columns, beams, and purlins. The joints between these components are connected with mortise and tenon, forming a flexible framework. Therefore, in the design, the designers utilized this concept to create a framework structure indoors, which serves the purpose of partitioning while also connecting each area. They also considered how to balance sales and storage, and from the early stages, they decided to use red as the main color theme for the store, 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 the designers’ expectations. Therefore, how to present these products completely to customers became a key focus for them. They ultimately decided to dedicate the visual center of the store to this area. The entire shopping flow revolves around a central long table, with a bridge designed to display these products.
For the indoor wall-mounted sales system, the designers selected perforated panels as the final display form. The drawers below incorporate traditional mortise and tenon joints, eliminating the conventional metal rails. This approach results 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 can accommodate various product display and sales needs. The top design incorporates elements of mortise and tenon joints, using vertical panels and horizontal extensions to enhance the visual effect. Additionally, it integrates washi paper elements to simulate the texture of lanterns, creating a warm and soft atmosphere.
The left-side retail wall is designated for selling bracelets. A horizontal support is designed between two perforated boards to hang and display the bracelets. The lower area and the wall itself are used for placing and showcasing merchandise.
The store’s logo is the highlight of the entrance. Since the shop is located in the Lingyin Temple Scenic Area, it is crucial to attract passing visitors. Therefore, the designers recommended placing the logo above the building. Additionally, the layered red panels enhance the entrance with a modern Chinese aesthetic.
In the design, the designers aimed to recapture the purest form of craftsmanship through attention to detail. Therefore, when designing the storage here, they eliminated conventional metal rails and opted for wooden interlocking joints for the drawers. This approach is intricate and time-consuming compared to modern industrial production methods. By reintegrating this traditional woodworking technique into a contemporary shop, they seek to honor and revive artisanal craftsmanship.
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