IDEAL’s headquarters is located near Deshengmen, alongside the charming Xihailake in western Beijing. The area used to be part of the JingYe Temple built during the Ming Dynasty. The existing building, however, was built as a factory for industrial production during the recent Cultural Revolution. IDEAL has renovated this culturally sensitive place into a unique office space, where the main structures have been retained, including a few constructive elements from the JingYe Temple.

The purity of the color white has made it our favorite and therefore extensively used. The structural frame, light strips, free form screens and different textures create the complexity of the space. The graphic design on the back wall of the reception area is titled “Flavor of Bamboo.” It symbolizes the permanent vitality of people.

The courtyard has been transformed into an elegant meeting island surrounded by a pond featuring fountains, lotus flowers and goldfish. Stone is used to build tables, seats, columns and steps. Hanging screens illuminate and reflect beautifully off the water creating an enclosure that is peaceful and serene. A steel bridge connects the upstairs offices where the original wooden trusses of the JingYe Temple are incorporated into the design. Both ancient and modern elements are reflected in this area.

The main structure in our office area has been fully retained with the addition of three skylights to allow more natural light into the space. A row of cellular offices with diagonally shaped doors and door frames create a visual rhythm. Working within this spacious environment that looks out onto the charming Xihai Lake is enjoyable and relaxing.

The main assembly hall has a span of 10 meters and a height of 6 meters, with a massive open space sufficient for any kind of large meeting. A white illuminated cube hangs from the pitched roof. The internal landscape of the courtyard meeting island is reintroduced in this room with stone seats and whispering brooks. This also reflects the outside environment of Xihai Lake. An abstract painting of a lotus pond provides a beautiful background on one wall. On the opposite wall, a slogan written from the Cultural Revolution is still kept for conservation. The culture and history of the space has been recorded and represented throughout the building for us to read, think about and experience.

Once passing through the massive door of the large meeting area, and going around the decorated stone wall, a pleasing view of Xihai Lake awaits you.