Urban Serenity Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ifulethi by Xiyao Wang

Urban Serenity Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ifulethi by Xiyao Wang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ingaphakathi Competition Category.

InsimbiIngaphakathi· 2026

Urban Serenity Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ifulethi

by Xiyao Wang

Client: Extended Play Lab

Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ingaphakathi Category

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Colors

The Design

About Urban Serenity Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ifulethi

Umbhalo Wencwadi: I-Urban Serenity ichaza kabusha impilo yasedolobheni ngokuhlanganisa ngokungenamthungo ubuhle nokuvumelana nezimo. Umklamo uyavelela ngenxa yokuhlanganiswa okuqambe kabusha kwezindawo, okwenza kube nokukhanya kwemvelo okuthe xaxa kanye nokuxhumana ngokubonakalayo kuyilapho kugcinwa ubuqu obuhlukile ngokusebenzisa amaphethini emibala acatshangelwe ngokucophelela. Izici ezibalulekile zalo mklamo zihlanganisa indawo yebha ephakathi enokuguquguquka, ukuhlelwa kwamakamelo okwenzelwe ngokwezidingo zomuntu, kanye nokugeleza okuvumelanayo okusekela imisebenzi eseduze kanye neyokuxhumana nabantu, okudala ikhaya elivumelana nezimo ezahlukene zokuphila.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award

Urban Serenity Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ifulethi iwinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile okunikezwa imiklamo emihle ehlangabezana nezidingo zobungcweti nezemboni ezilindelekile ezimpahleni ezihlelwe kahle. Abawinile beNsimbi babonisa ikhono elikhulu, ubungcweti obuphezulu, ukuqonda kochwepheshe namandla okudala abadali babo. Urban Serenity Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ifulethi ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo nenezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu zemboni futhi unezimfanelo zobuchwepheshe ezifanelekile ezihlanganiswe nolwazi nethalente. Urban Serenity Umsebenzi Oyinhloko: Ifulethi iyahlonishwa ngenxa yokucophelela kwayo futhi ihlelelwe ukulethela izinguquko zomgangatho wempilo ezisiza ukwenza umhlaba ube 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.