Biophilic office reflects historic setting

Project: Taikoo Li Xi’an Office
Award: Gold, Workspace Interiors - Corporate Offices (2,000- 5,000 SQM), 2024
Location: Xi'an, China
Design Practice: Hong Designworks
Client: Xi'an Tengyun Real Estate Company Limited

The Taikoo Li Xi'an Office project in Xi'an, China, aims to create a diverse cultural workspace in keeping with its location in the historic cultural area of Anren Fang and the Xiaoyan Pagoda within the layout of the Tang Dynasty's Chang'an City and adjacent to the renowned royal temple, Jianfu Temple.

Originally an unused school practice field, paving blocks were reclaimed from the site's archaeological excavations, and historically significant bricks and tiles were utilized in the space design, telling the story of the urban renewal plan's original intention and significance. 

The judges praised the incorporation of "local culture and heritage" into the design. They also singled out "the beautiful layout of spaces, the balance, proportion, the art, materials and colours" which create "a healthy peaceful environment that would definitely produce productivity to anyone working or visiting the space". 

The design of outdoor gardens balances aesthetics, functionality, ecology and cultural impact, injecting vitality into the surrounding community and city while creating sustainable development value.

Design highlights

The interior design prioritizes employee comfort and health, through thoughtful space layouts and a biophilic design with a wealth of greenery and large windows that flood the space with natural light and bring the outside in. The designers also infused artistic elements into different functional areas, such as art installations on feature walls and the selection of flooring materials, allowing employees to relax and find inspiration during work breaks. This office is the first in Northwest China to achieve WELL Platinum Certification.

The judges said: "This office provides an amazing experience of biophilia with dappled light and shadow coming through the entry. Feels humble yet refined, grounded and of its place yet quietly rich in texture and experiences. The incorporation of cultural identity is subtle yet impactful."

Photo credit: Tan Xiao-Studio Ten , HUASHENG STUDIO