In nature and its intricate web of systems and relationships, order often materialises from chaos. But can the same principles be reflected in human architecture? Can a play of imbalance culminate in balance? In the New East Coastal Area of Shantou in China, a commercial design project by Shenzhen-based architecture and interior design practice AD ARCHITECTURE dabbles with the site’s irregularities to achieve visual and spatial harmony. The ANBONG HOME showroom, harbouring flooring collections and the Italian brand OIKOS, aim to foster a relationship between people and their environment with all its intricacies. All the while, the space is guided by the fundamentals of product positioning and the requisites of commercial architecture. “Calculation in design involves a holistic approach that integrates all aspects of planning and execution, including form, psychological behaviour and calculated outcomes,” says Xie Peihe, founder and chief designer of AD ARCHITECTURE.

AD ARCHITECTURE, since its inception, has dedicated itself to approaching architecture, interior design and research from unique perspectives, while also contriving distinctive visual art for each project. With their vision and expertise in strategic project management systems, the team emphasises exploration to catalyse interactions between humans and objects during spatial design practices. The architects' works have been acknowledged and applauded across the world, winning a range of meritorious design awards in recent years.

The project is located in an area of several new residential developments; new schools, market resources, shopping malls and other amenities are interspersed within a comfortable distance. This location, hence, over the past five years has evolved into a hub of comfort, convenience and elite lifestyle in Shantou - a nerve centre for the new consumer group in the city. These veins of the context together with the needs of the client and AD ARCHITECTURE’s knack for innovative design solutions model the showroom design. The site irregularities are harnessed in the design, the black-and-white colour palette and the subdued display showcase the product designs in their best light.

One of the main challenges the designers faced was optimising the inconsistencies of the site. Since irregular spaces can often elicit a sense of unease, the site's condition called for strategic interventions. Upon analysing the flawed spatial environments, Peihe and the AD ARCHITECTURE proposed, "Awakening a sense of balance in the imbalance, all human unease stems from the discomfort brought by the five senses. By refining these elements through aesthetic approaches, we can make the slanted surfaces of the space interact dynamically, creating a harmonious sense of balance. Thus, the design system of this space naturally comes into being."

Bold architectural design injects a sense of power and commercial value into the spaces of the showroom. The facade design, defying the constraints of the existing building, allows triangular elements to extend from the interior to the exterior. As the guests enter the building, a narrow entrance acts as a prelude to the spaces that follow. The entrance integrates the exhibition hall with the communication area, creating a balanced space where visitors can interact with the products. The Chinese architects uplift the cohesive atmosphere by carefully weaving together an immersive experience of minimalist art. The organised product displays rest against black background walls and the central reception tea table shapeshifts as an area for negotiation and meetings. “By deconstructing and reinterpreting the slanted spatial form, a new charm emerges through the organic organisation of diagonal lines within various functional areas,” reads the official release.

A play on depth through processes such as digging, stacking and winding, is another prominent feature of the showroom. Three large sculptural staircases link different levels, establishing vertical relationships within the space. The floor is opened at multiple points, optimising spatial flow and introducing playfulness and exploration in the setting. Outdoor views trickle into the interiors through the triangular opening of the mezzanine. As one moves to the first floor, the mezzanine visually connects the first and second floors, underlining their contrast and harmony.

The staircase to the second floor ties the mezzanine and the second floor, while also providing a visual delight on the first floor. The striking structural compositions of beams, slabs, columns and staircases began to emerge during construction when the concrete structural beams were naturally exposed. The triangular relationships between the spaces form diagonals and slanted surfaces, adding a finishing touch to the spatial composition.

The interaction between the space and people is intrinsic to the project. The designers, hence, pay close attention to spatial character, harmony of structure, materials and colours and a fluid relationship with the site. Elegant geometric forms add a layer of texture to the design, delineating the creative style. Through the new commercial showroom, AD ARCHITECTURE strives to present a design model where Western design principles and Eastern spatial philosophies intersect.