Interview about Light Sales Office, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2020
The project was inspired by the change of light in the architecture. The light changes according to time and the architectural structure. The light in the space, just like the dancer on the state, is sometimes quiet and sometimes lively, showing people her beauty. In this way, people walking in the interior can feel the emotion generated by each space is different.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsIn the lighting design of the Light & Shadow Sales Gallery, we regard light as a “stage dancer.” Static lighting establishes the spatial order, while dynamic effects—created through rhythm, scene transitions, and interactive triggers—bring the space to life. Light dances between brightness and shadow, narrating the story of the space through rhythm and contrast. This seamless transition from stillness to motion creates an immersive experience filled with both ceremony and participation for every visitor.
In the 8-meter-high sand table area, we aimed to create a dual experience of visual impact and emotional resonance through the use of extreme vertical space. The design draws inspiration from the tangible expression of urban landmarks—by amplifying the sand table’s presence with extraordinary height, it becomes the spatial core. As visitors look upward, they experience an awe similar to that of facing a city skyline. Immersed in observation, they begin to envision future living or commercial scenes. Ultimately, the “height of the space” transforms into an “emotional elevation,” guiding visitors from visual perception to emotional connection.
The combination of wooden grilles and brushed stainless steel allows precise control of light and shadow through their contrasting properties. The wooden grilles soften and filter light, adding warmth and a sense of calm, while the brushed stainless steel reflects it, enhancing spatial refinement and depth. This dialogue between softness and strength—absorption and reflection—creates a dynamic interplay of light, perfectly embodying the design vision of harmony between nature and technology.
In the reception area, traditional fence elements are reinterpreted into a ceremonial façade—challenging the conventional notion that a fence must separate or restrict. Drawing inspiration from the transparency and rhythmic order of traditional Chinese railings, we removed their enclosed quality while preserving their lattice texture and symmetrical beauty. Reconstructed with modern materials, the façade retains the ritual sense of defining space, yet allows light and shadow to pass through, maintaining openness. In this transformation, the traditional symbolism of “protection” evolves into a contemporary spatial language of “welcome,” creating an atmosphere that feels both dignified and inviting from the moment visitors enter.
My experience at SOM and BIG infused the design of the Light Sales Office with a dual DNA of rational structure and human warmth.From SOM, I learned the precision of spatial proportions and the rigor of functional logic, which enabled me to approach circulation planning and vertical space — such as the 8-meter-high sand table area — with a more analytical perspective, balancing visual impact and practical needs.At BIG, I was inspired by its strength in narrative design and its bold, unconventional thinking, which encouraged me to transform elements like light and materials into a spatial language that breaks away from the rigidity often found in commercial environments.The fusion of these two design philosophies resulted in a retail space that embodies both international professionalism and emotional resonance — a balance that became one of the key reasons the project received the A’ Design Award.
The core tower’s light curtain guides and engages visitors. Dynamic light draws attention to key areas, preventing circulation confusion, while shifting shadows invite interaction, turning the visitor journey into an immersive and memorable experience.
We applied urban planning principles to the interior: main routes lead to the core area, while secondary spaces accommodate leisure zones for smooth circulation. Inspired by public gathering points, transitional areas around the core guide visitors to pause, creating a space that is both dynamic and welcoming.
The emotional flow of the space is achieved through layered design elements. Low-saturation lighting and wooden textures in the entrance create a calm, elegant welcome. Transitional areas introduce more complex light and shadow, paired with soft furnishings to gently engage visitors. In the core zone, dynamic light curtains, tall ceilings, and interactive features heighten the experience, while meeting areas return to warm materials and soft illumination. The sequence of calm → gradual activation → dynamic → serene allows emotions to flow naturally through the space.
The sand table occupies the central position for both practical and experiential reasons. It acts as the main exhibit and organizes visitor flow, avoiding chaos. Its 8-meter height creates a striking visual focal point, enhanced by light and shadow effects, while surrounding interactive zones invite visitors to engage, making the sand table the heart of the spatial experience.
This light-and-shadow strategy offers a model for future retail: moving from purely functional illumination to emotional lighting. By using dynamic and scenographic light effects, spaces gain the ability to convey mood. Retailers could apply this by matching light rhythms to customer journeys — soft lighting at entrances to ease visitors in, interactive light in key areas to engage, and warm lighting in rest zones to encourage lingering. Light then becomes a connector between space and emotion, turning retail into an experience that resonates with customers.
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