Golden A' Design Award Winner 2020
WenLi Wu's QingZhu Lake Sales Center presents a commanding interior space where architectural minimalism converges with sculptural installation to create an atmosphere of profound contemplative stillness, the composition organized along a powerful central axis that draws the eye inexorably toward a monumental translucent glass partition occupying the rear plane, upon which a luminous spherical form reminiscent of a celestial body hovers with ethereal presence, its surface bearing the mottled, crater-like textures suggestive of lunar topography rendered in soft gradations of pearl gray, lavender-tinged white, and atmospheric blue-violet that seem to emanate gentle radiance into the surrounding space. The foreground establishes a mirror-like expanse of polished black flooring, possibly nero marquina marble or similar material, whose reflective surface doubles every vertical element and creates a perfect symmetrical inversion that extends the perceived spatial depth dramatically downward, generating the uncanny impression of infinite extension. At the compositional center-right, an extraordinary sculptural reception desk commands attention through its synthesis of geometric precision and organic biomorphic form: a horizontal slab of what appears to be cool gray stone or composite material extends cantilevered from a faceted crystalline base rendered in deep sapphire and midnight blue tones that suggest frozen water or carved lapis lazuli, this base catching and fragmenting the ambient light into prismatic reflections across its polished facets. The ceiling treatment reveals sophisticated architectural detailing through recessed cove lighting that creates soft linear luminosity along the perimeter, while a dramatic curved soffit element in pristine white introduces organic geometry that relieves the otherwise rectilinear envelope. The chromatic palette operates within a refined spectrum of achromatic values punctuated by calculated chromatic accents: dominant tones of pure white on walls and ceiling surfaces, profound obsidian black in the reflective floor plane, and intermediate cool grays in the sculptural elements, with the luminous blue and violet tones concentrated in the glass partition and desk base providing precious chromatic relief. The lighting paradigm suggests diffused ambient illumination supplemented by concealed architectural fixtures, creating an even, contemplative luminosity that avoids harsh shadows while permitting the celestial sphere to assert its gentle glow as the emotional center of the spatial experience.
QingZhu Lake is a sales center in ChangSha that also serves as a small library. The interior covers 1200 square meters and is finished with marble, glass and wood flooring. Surfaces are shaped to recall the pages of an open book. The quiet setting invites visitors to read and to return to printed books, as many young readers now prefer electronic ones. The intent is to give the building value beyond its basic sales function. The calm reading atmosphere is meant to encourage reflection and to leave a lasting memory.