Yuanli Community Center

Taking “home” as its core inspiration, this project breaks through the functional limitations of traditional office design. Household scenarios—such as the gathering atmosphere of the living room, the conversational quality of the kitchen, the transitional role of the entrance hallway, and the openness of the balcony—are deconstructed and integrated into the workplace. The office is thus redefined as a “carrier of care” rather than a purely functional container, softening communication and consultation into experiences as natural as being at home.
Materiality plays a key role in shaping this warmth. While preserving the original gray cement walls of Tianmu Li, the design introduces warm wood and natural stone, creating a dialogue of contrasting textures. This combination reduces the coldness of concrete and reshapes the office into a more human-centered environment. Light further enhances the space, acting as a silent storyteller—diffusing softly during the day and shifting into a warm glow at night—allowing the interior to embody different moods across time.
Spatially, two main “hall” areas are connected by a corridor, where staggered blocks, elevated platforms, and sunken negotiation areas generate subtle elevation changes. Greenery buffers the urban bustle, while a lacquer-finished bar links traditional craftsmanship with the raw concrete structure, translating the design concept into tangible form.
Innovation lies in reconstructing spatial functions. Moving beyond efficiency as the sole guiding principle, the project embraces fluid layouts and “home-scene integration” to dissolve enclosure, extend sightlines, and guide movement naturally. Interactions become informal, personal, and engaging, supporting both individual focus and collective exchange.
Technically, traditional lacquer techniques are combined with modern systems, balancing craftsmanship with structural performance. From a sustainability perspective, the project minimizes intervention by retaining original cement walls and reducing material waste, lowering resource consumption while respecting the building’s foundations.
By blending tradition and innovation, softness and structure, the project offers a model for workplaces that prioritize human experience, cultural resonance, and environmental responsibility.