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Fei Hu

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Kōtaha Kaihoahoa

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Uiuinga Kaihoahoa o te Rā

18 pātai

I graduated from Hubei Polytechnic University with a bachelor's degree in Interior Design. I have 25 years of working experience, I set up my own interior design company in 2004, and my clients include one of the…

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I graduated from Hubei Polytechnic University with a bachelor's degree in Interior Design. I have 25 years of working experience, I set up my own interior design company in 2004, and my clients include one of the largest real estate developers in China and a world-renowned sports brand company. In 25 years of practice and exploration, I have always been committed to exploring a new way to combine traditional Chinese cultural aesthetics with contemporary simple decorative style.

How did you become a designer?

When I was around four years old, my father bought me lots of paper and pens for doodling, which could be considered my earliest introduction to art. Since then, drawing seemed to become my only passion. By the time I was in high school, I officially joined a specialized art class to receive systematic training in drawing. After long and tedious practice sessions in sketching and color theory, I realized I was more interested in architectural art and interior design. That realization led me to choose interior design as my career path, and I majored in it during university.

In the first semester of my sophomore year, we had a course project on innovative designs for traditional Chinese furniture. With ease, I designed a set of furniture that combined traditional aesthetics with modern concepts. My professor gave me the highest score in the class and selected my work to be archived in the school’s collection. This achievement greatly boosted my confidence in my professional abilities. From then on, I dedicated myself even more to mastering various professional skills, and I ultimately proved my choice was right by graduating with excellent academic results.

After graduation, I successfully joined an architectural design firm in Shanghai, marking the beginning of my professional career.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

The three steps I value most in the design process are as follows:

First, I conduct research on the project’s site conditions and design requirements, gathering as much relevant historical data and information as possible. From this, I repeatedly filter suitable elements and possibilities.

Second, I create numerous sketches and concept proposals. I develop at least 2-3 distinct conceptual directions for the client to discuss.

Finally, I select a primary direction and submit it to a 3D artist to build a sketch model. The 3D model is then adjusted repeatedly until the solution is approved.

In all my design projects, I adhere to the following four principles: aesthetic form, cultural memory, memorable impact, and uniqueness.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

At the beginning, receiving a project design brief fills me with excitement. When I start designing, I am fully focused. When there is no clear concept or direction, I feel anxious, but once a direction emerges, I experience joy and relaxation. The most thrilling stage is when the project is completed and receives widespread acclaim.

I particularly enjoy humming while designing. From the beginning to the completion of a design project, the process of creating something out of nothing feels like making a movie. Designers are akin to film directors, and the success of a project brings an immense sense of satisfaction and happiness.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

First, extensive reading is essential, whether it’s novels, newspapers, magazines, or art books. A good designer is inevitably someone who loves to read. I’ve enjoyed reading since childhood, and it has cultivated one of the most important skills I possess: a strong sense of aesthetics. Designers must understand the public’s level of aesthetic appreciation while maintaining a higher level themselves. Reading quality art works significantly enhances one’s aesthetic abilities.

Second, if possible, frequent travel is invaluable, as it is the most effective way to understand, learn, and experience the cultures and arts of different countries.

So far, my design journey has just entered its golden age, akin to reaching the prime of life. I hope to create my best works during this stage.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

I have loved painting since I was a child and majored in interior design in college. After graduation, I worked at an architectural design firm for four years before founding my own interior design company. My future plan is to focus on researching and promoting Zen-inspired Eastern design styles. My dream design projects are a luxury hotel and a historical museum. I particularly enjoy working on public projects.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

Start by spending a lot of time reading and researching, focusing on enhancing your aesthetics and creativity.

Secondly, dedicate substantial time to practicing hand drawing, which is an essential skill for designers.

If possible, travel frequently, as it is the most important way to understand, learn, and experience the culture and art of different countries.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

As a designer, it’s important to avoid being overly attached to your own ideas. There is no single solution to a problem. Our ultimate goal is to help clients solve their problems, not to impose our ideas on them.

What is your day to day look like?

My day starts with a cup of coffee. I usually check my emails first before diving into design work. When I feel tired, I like to tend to my garden or catch up on the day’s news. On weekdays, a 50-minute tennis match with friends brings me a lot of joy.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I choose whether to follow design trends or stick to my own design philosophy based on the specific project. If the project is meant to last for a long time, I stick to my design philosophy. However, for commercial projects with a shorter lifespan of just a few years, I follow current design trends. Keeping up with design trends doesn’t take much extra time—just 10 minutes a day to browse the latest design news is enough.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

Good design is memorable at first glance, evokes emotions, is simple yet powerful, functionally sound, and most importantly, unprecedented with an elegant form. The first-generation iPhone is a quintessential example of good design.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

I consider a design complete when I feel that adding anything more wouldn’t make it look better than it does now.

What is your biggest design work?

My best design work to date is the Zhengzhou Longhu Cultural Conference Center, a project that took me about six months to complete. The Longhu Cultural Conference Center is a landmark of Zhengzhou and will become the city’s largest conference center upon completion.

Drawing inspiration from Chinese culture, I chose the phoenix as the central theme and source of inspiration. Using curved white marble lines, I depicted the feathers of a phoenix in flight, weaving them together to create a grand and emotionally moving scene. I selected white to symbolize purity and tranquility. The design reflects the aesthetic essence of Eastern Zen: stripping away all excess decoration to create a serene, free, and uncluttered space, while maintaining a strong sense of modernity.

This project’s interior design is unique among national conference center projects of its kind. It is modern and stylish yet deeply rooted in cultural heritage. Compared to previous designs that are either highly traditional or overly contemporary, this project embodies a profound blend of philosophy and aesthetics.

Who is your favourite designer?

My favorite designers are Tadao Ando, Rafael Moneo, and Tonychi. Their design styles respectively represent simplicity, classical elegance, and sophistication, which I deeply admire. Leonardo da Vinci is the most iconic designer in history, and Le Corbusier has had the greatest influence on our understanding of exceptional design.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I love Florence, a city filled with enchanting cultural heritage. Many cities in China share this quality. Chinese traditional culture, as a treasure of Eastern civilization, is rich in philosophy and art, serving as a crucial medium and driving force for innovation in interior design. I believe traditional culture can provide an endless source of inspiration for modern design.

I currently live in California, USA, where I primarily focus on residential design. I firmly believe that design is one of the key forces driving social progress. It improves our lives every single day.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

I work with my partners and have 2-3 design assistants. My work culture emphasizes focused work and joyful living. An excellent designer should possess these qualities: focus, responsibility, attention to detail, an open mind, and Never stop learning.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

In 2016, the "My Family Library" project I designed in Shanghai caused a huge social response because of its innovative design concept. Within two years, 30 community libraries based on it were established in Shanghai, setting a new benchmark for community public libraries in Shanghai and even the whole country. By combining sustainable materials, energy efficient systems and environmentally friendly practices, my work always seeks to balance artistic expression with social responsibility. In the future, I will continue to devote myself to the research of cultural heritage and sustainability, promote the development of the "Zen Oriental" style, and contribute to the fight against climate change and the building of sustainable communities. I also provide pro bono design work for public cultural projects in the community, and I would be happy to continue to provide such work in the future.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A' Design Award?

The first time I participated in the A’ Design Award, I was fortunate enough to win both a Silver and a Bronze Award. Competing in design competitions has greatly promoted my work, giving me unprecedented visibility and attracting extensive media coverage and attention. For a designer, this kind of exposure is second only to the work of designing itself.

Every designer should consider participating in design competitions to promote themselves, especially in highly professional ones like the A’ Design Award. It provides designers with immense and ongoing resources and support. Its professional promotion and influence are truly unparalleled. I believe it is one of the best design competitions in the world, and I am more than happy to keep participating.

Being recognized as a “Designer of the Day” is a tremendous honor for me. I am incredibly excited and grateful for this recognition.

Uiuinga Hoahoa

Longhu Hoahoa Hōtera · 16 pātai

Dragons and phoenixes are mythical creatures of the ancient Chinese imagination, symbolizing good luck. The dragon represents male energy, while the phoenix symbolizes female energy.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

Dragons and phoenixes are mythical creatures of the ancient Chinese imagination, symbolizing good luck. The dragon represents male energy, while the phoenix symbolizes female energy. Harmony between the dragon and phoenix also symbolizes wealth, prosperity and good luck. The exterior of the building is inspired by a jade sculpture in the form of an ancient dragon, while the interior design incorporates elements of a flying jade phoenix. This kind of external and internal unity reflects the ancient Chinese philosophy of the unity of heaven and man.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

Guests of the hotel enter the lobby as if they have arrived at an art gallery, surrounded by curved matte marble stone walls and curved copper panels, guests can chat or rest in the lobby, which is filled with a warm and quiet atmosphere. The design that integrates technology, culture, art and regional culture will also bring guests an unforgettable art experience.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

Let's hope it gets built.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

about 2-3 months.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

The owner had a very vague concept and needed me to find the most appropriate element among a large number of cultural elements.

What made you design this particular type of work?

To express Oriental culture with modern means, especially the special aesthetic thought of Zen, is the direction I have been pursuing.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

Tadao Ando and Rafael Moneo are my favorite architects.

What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

The huge space formed by large-scale curved marble has a kind of utopian fantasy.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

Hand sketching and 3D modeling software.

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

Use minimalist materials to create fantastic effects.

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

And my professional technical team.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

Technology is the basis on which concepts can be implemented.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

Study and research a large number of hotel cases. Trying to be totally different from them.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

Cost and construction techniques are my biggest challenges.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

I wish more people could see it.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

Stick to your direction, and it will surely yield satisfactory results.

Uiuinga Hoahoa

Zhengzhou Longhu Whare Hui · 15 pātai

The phoenix is a mythical bird from ancient Chinese legends, revered as the king of all birds and symbolizing auspiciousness, love, and peace.

What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

The phoenix is a mythical bird from ancient Chinese legends, revered as the king of all birds and symbolizing auspiciousness, love, and peace. Zhengzhou, an important birthplace of Chinese civilization, is also where the legend of the phoenix originated. Therefore, the interior design draws inspiration from the theme of the phoenix. The atrium space on the first, second, and third floors is vertically connected, with white curved lines extending up to 16 meters high across the walls, abstractly depicting the graceful flight of the phoenix in a modern style. This design not only aligns with the solemn and dignified nature of a conference center but also creates a pure, modern, and artistically appealing space.

What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

How to express ancient culture and its positive connotations through modern techniques, especially using modern minimalism to convey Eastern culture, particularly the essence of Zen, is what I particularly aim to achieve.

What are your future plans for this award winning design?

Let's hope it gets built.

How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

about 4-5 months.

Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

The owner had a vague request and I searched for the most appropriate theme to express it.

What made you design this particular type of work?

I've been trying to find a style that works for me. Looking for inspiration from Eastern culture is something I've been exploring lately.

Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

Tadao Ando,I am fascinated by the mood and light in his works.

Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

Hand sketching, 3d modeling software, etc

What is the most unique aspect of your design?

Minimalist elements create rich light and shadow.

Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

I have a design team of 3-4 people and I work with professionals all the time.

What is the role of technology in this particular design?

Technology is the foundation of implementation, the backbone, the drummer of the band.

Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

Yes, we studied the proportions of the design, the materials, and the lighting effects at different times of the day.

What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

The cost and construction process were my biggest challenges.

How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

I hope to let more people see it, whether or not it ultimately gets built.

What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

Stick to the simplest shapes and materials to achieve the most fantastic results.

Uiuinga Tohunga Hoahoa

50 pātai

I graduated from Hubei Polytechnic University with a Bachelor degree in interior design. I have more than 20 years of experience in the field of interior design.

Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

I graduated from Hubei Polytechnic University with a Bachelor degree in interior design. I have more than 20 years of experience in the field of interior design. I have led and completed a number of iconic interior design projects and real estate projects across the country, and I have accumulated rich experience in providing design solutions for luxury residential, hotel commercial and public cultural projects in cooperation with several well-known brand companies. I have won gold, silver and bronze awards in design competitions many times. My work has been published in many professional interior design magazines and books.

What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

My father developed my interest in painting when I was 3-4 years old, so I loved painting from an early age. When I graduated from high school, I realized that I was more interested in architectural design and interior design, so I started taking courses in design. When I was in college, I majored in interior design. After graduation, I joined an interior design company and became an interior designer.

Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

To be a designer is my ideal, I have always loved this career, never tired.

What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

I specialize in designing luxury homes, hotels, offices and public cultural Spaces. I hope to design more public service space projects, such as libraries, art galleries, museums, boutique hotels, etc.

What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

I can't say that I am a design legend, I have not done enough, but I think young designers should first maintain their passion for design, and secondly, learn all the good cases extensively. The third is to never stop improving your professional skills.

What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

Good designers can improve lives, great designers can change lives。For example, the first iPhone was great design, the iPhone2-15 versions are just good design.

What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

Good design must meet four conditions: reasonable, innovative, good-looking, can be promoted

What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

Good design can improve people's lives and make people feel happy.Can make the world a better place.

What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

If I have time, I will design a history museum. I hope it will be a cultural center of the city, leaving a deep impression on everyone who comes to visit it.

What is the dream project you haven't yet had time to realize?

A historical museum, a resort hotel with sea views and forests.

What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

First of all, we must have a good aesthetic ability, then we must learn a lot of classic cases, and the rest is left to inspiration.

Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

Tadao Ando I.M. Pei, Rafael Moneo, Jobs,Tony Chi,Steve Leung

What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

The three masters who have inspired me the most are Tadao Ando, Rafael Moneo, and Tonychi. Their design styles represent simplicity, classical, and elegance, respectively, which fascinate me.

What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

My most satisfying design is yet to come.

How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

My method is to learn painting from a young age to develop a sense of beauty. Then I went to professional schools to learn skills and observe all excellent design cases in society. Read lots of books. To travel. Accumulated experience in a large number of projects.

If you hadn't become a designer, what would you have done?

I want to be a film director

How do you define design, what is design for you?

Design is a collection of talents and experiences that can improve everything in life.

Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

My family, my teachers, my clients and my colleagues are all the biggest supporters to help me become a good designer.

What helped you to become a great designer?

Passion, inspiration, experience, learning.

What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

In the course of my career, I encountered numerous setbacks and obstacles, such as the design scheme was not approved, the design time was urgent, the design drawings were not constructed according to the drawings during construction, the design fee was not received after the completion of the project, and the Party made numerous unreasonable modifications. I believe that every designer will encounter the same problem. You just have to persevere.

How do you think designers should present their work?

Designers should participate in more design competitions and win prizes to improve the spread of their works.

What's your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

A shopping mall, I hope in the future I can design more libraries, museums, cultural public Spaces, to serve the public.

What's your ultimate goal as a designer?

I hope I can leave my work in the history of design and provide reference value for future generations.

What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

They want every piece of my work to be outstanding and exceptional, which makes me feel enormous pressure every time.

How does design help create a better society?

I once designed a community library, the area is only more than 300 square meters, but once it opened, it was warmly welcomed by the surrounding residents. Inspired by the extensive media coverage, the government invited me to design two more libraries, and more than 30 community libraries have been built based on my design. It has greatly improved the public cultural space of the community residents, benefiting hundreds of thousands of residents. I'm proud of that.I think this is a good example of how design can help create a better society.

What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

I am researching and promoting my original Zen Oriental style design works.

Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

My best design work to date is the Zhengzhou Longhu Cultural Conference Center, a project that took me about six months to complete. The Longhu Cultural Conference Center is a landmark of Zhengzhou and will become the city’s largest conference center upon completion.

What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

The development of artificial intelligence technology will subvert the traditional way of working on design, and it will become easier and easier for designers to create more and better works. The efficiency of design will be greatly increased, the productivity will be several times higher, and many designers will be obsolete if they don't update their skills. But I think that human creativity based on emotion and memory is something that AI cannot replace.

Where do you think the design field is headed next?

AI will dramatically change the design industry in the coming years. It will greatly improve the work efficiency of designers, but at the same time, it is also necessary to avoid the negative effects that AI may bring, such as fraud, plagiarism, infringement and so on.

How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

A small project with an area of about 500 square meters usually takes four to six months from the start of design to the end of construction. If the project is more than 5,000 square meters, it will take at least 1 year.

When you have a new design project, where do you start?

First, I will study the needs of the owner, then I will understand the environment and history of the project site, and then I will think deeply about various possibilities of design.

What is your life motto as a designer?

Design changes lives.

Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

Sometimes design leads the trend, and sometimes the trend leads design.

What is the role of technology when you design?

Technology is the support, the foundation, like a drummer in a band.

What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

General design software and tools.

What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

The importance of color and material in design is equal to shape and structure, and all three are indispensable.

What do you wish people to ask about your design?

What is your purpose in doing this?

When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

Why didn't I think of that?

Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

I'm not a big believer in co-design, which can only be led by one person and supported by a team.

Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

It's hard to remember because there are a lot of people, if it's someone I've come into contact with, it must be my college teachers.

Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

Just too many

How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

Spend a lot of time reading and researching

Spend a lot of time practicing hand drawing

Travel a lot

Master a variety of work software and make them your tools

Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

Tony Chi, who is my favorite hotel designer, is based in New York.

How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

I would like to express my gratitude for the great honor the A'DESIGN AWARD has given me, and it is an honor to be recognized by the jury along with so many great designers.

What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

Yellow, Italian, Chinese food, autumn, painting

Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

On a trip with my family, we stayed in a small hotel in the mountains and I discussed with the front desk what was well decorated and what wasn't. A middle-aged man who was carrying plants stopped, listened to our conversation, and joined us. It turned out that he was the owner of the hotel, and we had a nice chat, and he later invited our family to dinner.

What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

The best part of the day is when there are no meetings to attend, no clients to visit, you can concentrate on the design of a project, and you can listen to music and drink some champagne when you are sleepy.

When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

When I was a kid, I never thought I would be a great designer, but when I went to college, I began to believe I would be a good designer.

What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

I think the appearance of human beings will not change much after 1000 years, but the clothes, food, housing and means of transportation will be completely different.

Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

I’m afraid of dogs. Every time I see a dog approaching, I always want to get as far away as possible.

Uiuinga Kaihoahoa

32 pātai

My father began to nurture and encourage me to learn painting when I was about 4 years old. Painting has since become my interest and hobby.

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

My father began to nurture and encourage me to learn painting when I was about 4 years old. Painting has since become my interest and hobby. In high school, I found that I was more interested in architectural art and interior design, so I embarked on this path. I majored in architecture and interior design at university.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

I founded fmp associates, an interior design firm in Shanghai, in 2004, mainly for commercial and real estate projects. To provide customers with professional and high standard of hotel, office building, commercial, clubs and other public space types of interior design services. The company offers one-stop solutions for all interior design needs, from concepts, schemes, designs, 3D modeling rendering drawings to construction drawings, material samples and on-site guidance.

What is "design" for you?

Design is my hobby and my life. I hope to use my professional skills to help people improve the environment, discover beautiful things, create more value, and even change their lives.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I love all styles of design, but I like the ones that incorporate history and memory into a modern environment the most. Subtle, elegant, with stories and memories.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

The National Museum of Roman Art in Merida, Spain.It was designed by Rafael Moneo.

This building has a divine, spectacular, serene power.It is a classic case of the perfect balance between modernity and history.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

A residential showroom for a real estate company

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

Brick, stone, wood, glass

When do you feel the most creative?

Working alone at night

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

Simple, pure, less is more, using simple materials and shapes to create an unforgettable atmosphere. With historical memory and cultural inheritance, function rationality is the basis of design, and form cannot be separated from function.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

Design solutions need to have positive, creative, moving emotions.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

Enjoy the feeling of an artist's work displayed in an art gallery.

What makes a design successful?

Focus, deep understanding, reasonable functionality, creative solutions.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

Elegant form and reasonable function.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

Advocating the use of sustainable, green and environmentally friendly materials and technologies is an essential responsibility of every designer.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

AI technology will bring great changes in the field of design.The efficiency of design will be greatly increased, the productivity will be several times higher, and many designers will be eliminated if they do not update their skills. But I think human creativity based on emotion and memory is something that AI can't replace.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Extensive reading, travel, experience.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

Simple, pure, less is more, using simple materials and shapes to create an unforgettable atmosphere. With historical memory and cultural inheritance, function rationality is the basis of design, and form cannot be separated from function.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live and work in China.my country and cultural heritage have a very important influence on my design, it appears in almost every design project.The advantages of this country are the large number of projects, the high efficiency, and the complete supply chain. The disadvantage is that the inheritance of history and culture is not enough, and the craftsmanship in some areas is relatively rough.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

First of all, the site conditions and design requirements of the project are studied, and relevant cases and materials are consulted according to these conditions, and all relevant historical data and information are searched as much as possible, from which the appropriate elements and possibilities are repeatedly screened. Make lots of sketches and graphic schemes. After forming 2-3 conceptual plans, communicate with the client, and then determine a main direction, submit to the 3D draftsman to build a sketch model. Iterate on the 3D rendering until the solution is approved. Then draw construction drawings and prepare material samples.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Start by spending a lot of time reading, researching, and focusing on improving your aesthetic and creativity.

Secondly, travel is necessary to understand, learn and experience different countries, cultures, arts and life.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

The advantages of designers are careful, sensitive and creative. The disadvantages are stubbornness and lack of broad vision.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

Do a lot of research on the design background to find the source of inspiration and design. Then find the most suitable methods and materials to express.

What skills are most important for a designer?

Imagination and aesthetics.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

For important projects, overtime is inevitable.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

As few as a few days, as many as a few months or even six months.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

Is this the best solution?

What was your most important job experience?

I hope the most important work experience will be on my next project.

Who are some of your clients?

Real estate company, well-known commercial brand.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

The hotel and museum, challenging in design, have a great sense of accomplishment after completion.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

I hope to cooperate with foreign design companies and project companies to do some more interesting designs.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

We have both.

How can people contact you?

windinnovation.sh@gmail.com

Uiuinga Nui

Longhu Hoahoa Hōtera · 10 pātai

The shape of the building comes from a 3,200-year-old dragon jade carving, which simulates the scene of the jade dragon lying on the lake in an abstract shape, modern without losing its cultural connotation.

Your innovative integration of the dragon and phoenix mythology in Longhu Hotel Design's architectural elements is striking - could you elaborate on how these cultural symbols influenced your spatial flow decisions, particularly in the 26.8-meter high atrium space?

The shape of the building comes from a 3,200-year-old dragon jade carving, which simulates the scene of the jade dragon lying on the lake in an abstract shape, modern without losing its cultural connotation. The interior design continues the architectural technique, introduces the concept of dragon and phoenix into the interior, and expresses the scene intention of dragon and phoenix dance by abstract means, which is not only the invisible implantation of culture, but also the refining and inheritance of traditional culture. When hotel guests enter the lobby, they feel like entering a huge dream space. The walls are curved marble stone walls and copper panels up to 26.8 meters high, and giant crystal lights on the ceiling look like a flying phoenix hovering in the sky. The whole space is a visually stunning art museum. Full of modern and artistic atmosphere. At the same time rich in cultural and regional characteristics.

The use of ultra-thin 2mm marble slabs in Longhu Hotel Design represents an interesting balance between traditional materials and modern engineering - what inspired this specific technical solution, and how does it contribute to both the aesthetic and practical aspects of the project?

Generally speaking, marble processing into curved because of large losses and expensive, we have the responsibility to find solutions for the owners, fortunately, there is a supplier said that they have ultra-thin stone production technology, stone can bend like wood, which just completely solved our two problems: cost and technology. Because the stone is thin, it can be glued to the base of the board like the wood decoration panel. This material is almost tailor-made for our project. This is a typical case of materials creating new aesthetic effects. A forward-looking approach to the use of materials is demonstrated.

In creating Longhu Hotel Design's curved beige marble and copper panel walls, how did you approach the challenge of transforming the mythological dragon's flying posture into architectural elements while maintaining the functionality of a modern hotel space?

We are always working on how to balance the expression of traditional cultural heritage with the functional needs of a modern hotel. If the elements of the dragon and phoenix are simply borrowed from the specific form, they will walk into the trap of stereotypes. This time our focus shifted from figurative to abstract, from the dragon's flying posture to find our source of inspiration: the specific form of the dragon did not appear, but the dragon's figure is everywhere, which is the effect we want.

The crystal chandelier in Longhu Hotel Design abstractly represents a phoenix - could you share the creative process behind translating this mythological creature into a contemporary lighting installation that complements the space's overall narrative?

Phoenix is often seen in ancient Chinese mythology along with light and fire. The scenes it appears in are always very gorgeous. But few artists think about this when they extract elements of the phoenix. We felt that the image of the phoenix and the lighting installation were naturally intrinsically connected, and we wanted the shadow of a shining, crystal-clear bird to appear in the sky, just as we did with the dragon: it did not appear, it was everywhere.

Given that Longhu Hotel Design caters to international conference attendees, how did you balance incorporating traditional Chinese cultural elements with meeting the expectations of a global audience?

International conference participants and international guests are often unfamiliar with local cultural traditions, if the direct transfer of these ancient artistic images into the space, often make guests feel abrupt and confused, which is in conflict with the hotel's welcome concept for guests, so our principle is imperceptible implantation of traditional culture, rather than blunt display.

The lobby of Longhu Hotel Design breaks from traditional hotel space forms - what led to your decision to create a more art gallery-like atmosphere, and how does this approach enhance the guest experience?

Most of the hotels are too sophisticated and commercial, and the hotels with artistic style and cultural heritage are always valuable and impressive, so it is not a difficult choice.

In developing Longhu Hotel Design's concept over six months, how did you reconcile the potentially contradictory demands between owner's cultural aspirations and hotel management's operational requirements?

This is the most difficult part of the whole design, we have been repeatedly suffering from collapse and hope. So many times we wanted to quit, but we stuck with it. Maybe we love the future of this project too much.

The luminous cylindrical installations in Longhu Hotel Design serve as guidance elements - could you elaborate on how these features were conceived to both fulfill practical wayfinding needs and contribute to the space's artistic narrative?

The atrium of the hotel is a huge stone wall up to 26 meters high, if there is no one or several particularly shiny lighting devices or lighting effects in such a large space, the whole space will become dim and lifeless. In short, just like a cave, if you want it to be warm, you need a torch or a bonfire, and these glowing columns are the torches or bonfires in a cave. They make the space warm and inviting.

Looking at Longhu Hotel Design's impressive scale of 58,375 square meters, how did you ensure that the dragon and phoenix motifs maintained their impact and coherence throughout such a large space?

This is a very good question, but the good thing is that there is so much room for the dragon and phoenix elements to play, and there are so many stories about them in history and cultural traditions. So, it's not as hard as it looks. We have a constant stream of material.

As the recipient of the Bronze A' Design Award, how do you envision Longhu Hotel Design's innovative fusion of mythology and modern architecture influencing future hotel design projects in China and beyond?

As the reviewer said, we hope it will be an example of a work that challenges traditional hotel design norms and pays homage to a rich cultural heritage. Hotel space is not only a simple accommodation, allowing guests to immerse in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere while feeling the charm of culture and historical memory, should become one of the future development models of high-quality hotels in China and even the world. Connecting time, the world and art with design is the true value of design.

Uiuinga Nui

Zhengzhou Longhu Whare Hui · 10 pātai

The phoenix, a divine bird in ancient Chinese mythology, is akin to Aglaea, the goddess in Greek mythology, symbolizing elegance, fortune, and beauty.

Your innovative integration of the phoenix mythology into the Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center's design is striking - could you elaborate on how this ancient Chinese symbolism influenced your modern architectural interpretation, particularly in the 17-meter-high atrium's curved white marble lines?

The phoenix, a divine bird in ancient Chinese mythology, is akin to Aglaea, the goddess in Greek mythology, symbolizing elegance, fortune, and beauty. The most captivating aspect of the phoenix is its posture in flight—free, light, and gracefully dancing with the wind. I sought to capture this moment and make it eternal by using curved white marble lines to portray the form of the phoenix’s fluttering feathers, ultimately assembling them into a grand and emotionally resonant scene.Given the multitude of marble lines, already abundant in form and detail, the use of color needed to be highly restrained. I chose white, representing purity and tranquility. This embodies the essence of Eastern Zen aesthetics: stripping away all excess decoration to create a serene, free, and unencumbered space. At the same time, it exudes a contemporary sense of modernity.

The harmonious balance between traditional Chinese elements and contemporary design aesthetics in the Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center is remarkable - how did you approach the challenge of creating an internationally appealing space while maintaining strong cultural connections?

Traditional Chinese culture is the treasure of Oriental culture, containing philosophy and art, and is an important medium and driving force to promote the innovation of interior design. I have read a large number of famous Zen landscape paintings of Tang and Song dynasties, studied the handed down Zen gardens such as Lingyin Temple and Lion Forest, and grasped the essence of Zen aesthetics from the paintings and buildings preserved in ancient times, and then reflected these insights into the design. I believe that traditional culture can provide a continuous source of inspiration for modern design.

The interplay of light and shadow throughout the Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center creates an ever-changing visual experience - what inspired your decision to incorporate coffee-colored transparent glass curtain walls on the second floor, and how does this choice enhance the overall spatial narrative?

If the whole space is white tone, it is undoubtedly risky, because the lack of contrast will appear single, I choose to use coffee-colored glass curtain wall and copper wall on the side of the second floor, it is to break the single tone, increase the level and rhythm of the space. Coffee-colored is actually composed of two materials: transparent glass and copper plate, although the two materials have the same tone, but the texture is completely different. This not only brings rich light and shadow changes, but also does not look cluttered. Meaningful details enhance the overall spatial narrative.

As the Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center is set to become the largest independent pavilion in Zhengzhou, how did this scale influence your design decisions, particularly in creating spaces that can accommodate high-level international conferences while maintaining intimate cultural connections?

The massive architectural scale indeed posed significant challenges. To ensure the desired outcome, we created 3D models for almost every major scene to refine the proportions and details. After defining the cultural theme, the next challenge was integrating it with modern design concepts to make it accessible and appreciable to people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Striking this balance has been our greatest challenge, and we continuously strive to achieve harmony in every aspect.

The structural engineering behind the Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center's white marble lines is intriguing - could you share more about the innovative steel frame structure solution and how it ensures both safety and aesthetic continuity?

1 The section of white marble modeling is an isosceles acute Angle triangle, the long side is 500MM, the short side is 220MM, the spacing is 200MM: The construction process is the internal steel structure, the external marble is fixed on the steel structure by dry hanging, 2 the line shape of the ceiling is the same as the wall, but considering the safety issue, the material is changed to aluminum plate with PVC film of imitation marble texture, because the height is high, so the slight difference between pvc film and marble will not affect the overall effect. 3. All the fire-fighting equipment, sound equipment, lighting equipment, broadcasting equipment and air conditioning equipment on the ceiling are centrally arranged in the 200-wide recess in the middle of each shape. 4 The wall and the ground are provided with a very narrow strip air outlet.

The vertical interconnection of spaces across the three floors of the Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center creates a compelling visual journey - what were the key considerations in designing these transitions to maintain both functionality and artistic impact?

Function has always been the top consideration in the interior design, and attendees take the escalator from the 1st floor lobby to the 3rd floor (the 2nd floor is the office and auxiliary space) to enter the welcome hall. Before entering the conference hall, attendees first enter a stunning white pure space made up of numerous white marble lines. At the same time, you can enjoy the beautiful lake view outside through the huge glass curtain wall, and the natural beauty and modern manufacturing arts present a strong contrast in the same space. Participants can rest, wait, communicate, attend the opening ceremony or accept media interviews in the hall at the same time, and then enter the conference hall through the wide corridor in the middle of the hall.

Your use of brown metal plates to balance the overall tone of the Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center shows remarkable restraint - how did you determine the precise placement and proportion of these elements to achieve the desired aesthetic harmony?

You are quite right that if the whole space has only one white tone, it will look boring, if there are more than 3 colors, it will lose the sense of purity, and we intuitively feel that brown is the best balance color for the conference center. It's elegant, sensible and well-meaning. We worked through numerous sketches and renderings from different angles to determine the positions and proportions of these elements in order to achieve aesthetic harmony.

Looking at the Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center's development from concept to execution, what unexpected discoveries or insights emerged during the five rounds of design proposals that ultimately shaped the final design?

The owner has a huge review team, each expert's opinion is not uniform, we have to balance everyone's opinion, but also to ensure that the project is unique and beautiful. We spent half a year on this project to design many plans, but we have not been able to get a unified confirmation opinion. We thought that the proposal could not be implemented, but in the end, the architect of the project gave us great support and helped us convince the client to accept it from the perspective of professionals. This is truly appreciated.

The Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center's completion in 2024 will mark a significant milestone - how do you envision this space influencing future architectural projects that seek to blend cultural heritage with contemporary design?

The project is still under construction, and we are eagerly anticipating its successful completion and the realization of the envisioned design. The interior design of this project is unique among similar national convention center projects. It combines modern sophistication with cultural heritage, offering more philosophical and aesthetic depth compared to previous designs that were either overly traditional or overly modern. I firmly believe in this.

As the recipient of the Silver A' Design Award for the Zhengzhou Longhu Conference Center, how do you see this recognition impacting the future of cultural-inspired conference center design, particularly in terms of bridging traditional elements with modern functionality?

Receiving this honor signifies that our exploration has been recognized by international professionals, which is a tremendous encouragement and support for me and my team. Objectively speaking, there are not many successful cases of convention centers that integrate traditional elements with modern styles. Through the influential platform of the A’ Design Award, our achievement will undoubtedly inspire peers to create even more outstanding convention center projects.What we most want to achieve is that traditional culture silently influences our lives in a low-key, unobtrusive way. Once again, I sincerely thank the judges for their recognition.

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