IDEAL Shanghai Office is located in the culture and creative industrial park,which was formerly a printing machinery factory. In order to break the monotonous pattern of space, the designer demolished the middle floor slabs and formed a large space through it.After a series of clever additions, it became the visual focus and activity center of the overall environment.

We applied Chinese traditional architectural idea ‘Frame the view’ to the entrance and the balcony which are made of rustic metal. The opened space brings more nature light into the interior, in addition increases more contrast between the existing structure. In order to give grand sense into the entrance, we chose electronic wooden gate. The large scaled rustic metallicentrance with the transparent glazing balances the hardness of the metal which also gives us the sense of modernism. Within the soothing lighting effect, it tempts us to explore the interior.

The water feature in the mezzanine is one of principle designs as well as a difficulty for the construction. After times of discussions, we’ve had the design as you may see now. We’ve treated the water pond as an art device more than a landscape design. Designers have tried to create a space that allows people to enjoy the greenery and being slay. In order to achieve this goal, we’ve combined the idea of Zen and modernism. Water wall, floating lily pads, fishes going around brings more vitality to the space. In addition, the large scaled maple tree by the table gives space a slight of stillness. Skylight offers different levels of lighting. With the lighting contrast, it completes the mezzanine with a sense of Zen.