Urban Serenity Primary Function: Igumbi lokuhlala by Xiyao Wang

Urban Serenity Primary Function: Igumbi lokuhlala by Xiyao Wang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ibhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweNdawo yangaPhakathi kunye noMboniso Competition Category.

IntsimbiIngaphakathi· 2026

Urban Serenity Primary Function: Igumbi lokuhlala

by Xiyao Wang

Client: Extended Play Lab

Ibhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award Winner in Ingaphakathi Category

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The Design

About Urban Serenity Primary Function: Igumbi lokuhlala

Book Text: I-Urban Serenity ichaza kwakhona ubomi basezidolophini ngokudibanisa ngokungenamthungo ubuhle nokuvumelaniseka. Uyilo luyaziphawula ngokudibanisa okutsha kwezikhewu, kuphucula ukukhanya kwendalo kunye nokunxibelelana ngeliso ngelixa kugcina ubuni obahlukileyo ngokusebenzisa iindidi zemibala eciphayo. Iimpawu eziphambili zoyilo ziquka indawo yebha ephakathi enokuguqulwa, iindlela zokwenza amagumbi ngokobuqu bakho, kunye nokuhamba okuvisisanayo okuxhasa imisebenzi yobumbano nayeyabantu, kudale ikhaya elivumelanisa neemeko ezahlukeneyo zokuphila.

The Recognition

About the Ibhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award

Urban Serenity Primary Function: Igumbi lokuhlala ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo okunikwa imiyilo elungileyo eyanelisa iimfuno zobungcali neemveliso ezilindelekileyo kwimveliso ezicwangciswe kakuhle. Abaphumeleleyo beNtsimbi babonisa ubuchule obukhulu, ubuchule obuphezulu, ukuqonda kwengcali namandla okuyila abayili babo. Urban Serenity Primary Function: Igumbi lokuhlala iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimveliso exatyiswa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo neyinto entsha. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award udibanisa iindlela ezilungileyo kakhulu zemboleko kwaye unezimpawu zobuchwephesha ezifanelekileyo ezidityaniswe nolwazi netalente. Urban Serenity Primary Function: Igumbi lokuhlala iyahlonelwa ngenxa yenkcukacha yayo kwaye yacwangciselwa ukunika uphuculo lomgangatho wobomi olunceda ukwenza ihlabathi libe yindawo engcono.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Urban Serenity redefines urban living by seamlessly blending elegance with adaptability. The design stands out for its innovative integration of spaces, enhancing natural light and visual connections while maintaining distinct identities through thoughtful color schemes. Key features include a versatile central bar area, personalized room layouts, and a harmonious flow that supports both intimate and social functions, creating a home that adapts to diverse living scenarios.
Dimensions & Packaging: The apartment area is 160 square meters.
Tags: Interior Design, Apartment Design, Modern Living, Minimalist, Abstract
Production Technology: The design of Urban Serenity utilized a blend of traditional and innovative techniques. We began by reimagining the apartment's spatial layout, breaking down barriers to enhance natural light and connectivity. The project employed precise spatial analysis to optimize room functions, using materials like warm-toned wood and soft textiles to create a cohesive atmosphere. Collaborative discussions with the homeowner guided the selection of lighting, furniture, and finishes, ensuring a tailored and refined result.
Design Challenge: The hardest part of designing Urban Serenity was creatively balancing openness with privacy. The challenge lay in reconfiguring the layout to enhance natural light and social connectivity while preserving intimate spaces. Historical and social contexts influenced our approach, as we sought to honor traditional Chinese spatial harmony. Limited space and structural constraints required innovative use of materials and technology to achieve a fluid, adaptable environment that meets modern urban needs.
Research: We conducted qualitative research focused on enhancing urban living. The objective was to create a space that blends warmth with functionality. We used spatial analysis, interviews with the homeowner, and observational studies to gather insights. Tools included 3D modeling and material sampling. The results showed a need for adaptable spaces with natural light, leading to a design that enhances well-being, fosters social interaction, and elevates urban residential standards.
Inspiration: The inspiration for Urban Serenity came from a desire to blend urban sophistication with a deeply personal, warm living environment. We aimed to create a space that not only reflects the dynamic energy of Lujiazui but also serves as a serene retreat. The design draws from the idea of fluidity in living spaces, allowing for versatility and adaptability while maintaining a sense of intimacy and connection with the surrounding urban landscape.
Project Duration: The project started in 2020 in Shanghai, and finished in 2022. The project was severly delayed due to covid lockdown.
Operation Flow: The design transforms traditional apartment layouts by integrating spaces to enhance connectivity and interaction. By removing a key wall, we redefined the communal areas, allowing natural light to flood the living room and study, creating a continuous visual connection with the surrounding urban and natural landscapes. The central bar, dining, and living spaces are unified, encouraging fluid movement and interaction while maintaining distinct identities through contrasting color palettes.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Rex Zou. Image #2: Designer Qiu Jin. Image #3: Project Manager Sitan Yi.