Lai Yard Office is an award-winning architectural masterpiece that exemplifies the harmonious fusion of traditional Chinese design principles with contemporary functionality. Located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, this 1,000-square-meter space represents a thoughtful transformation of a historic structure into a multifunctional environment that serves as both a meditation space and library. The name Lai derives from ancient Chinese philosophy, symbolizing the journey from far to near, past to present, and traditional to contemporary. The design, created by architect Jaco Pan, features a sophisticated interplay of three enclosed open courtyards, incorporating steel plates, brick, plaster, and wood plates as primary materials. The structure's distinctive entrance, characterized by its humble and narrow design, requires visitors to bow while entering, creating a symbolic transition from the external world to the contemplative interior space. The renovation carefully preserves the building's historical elements while introducing modern architectural elements, establishing a literature-themed atmosphere that provides refuge from urban chaos. The project, which won the Golden A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design category, is particularly noteworthy for its innovative approach to spatial organization, where trees and buildings create intricate silhouettes, and its location near the ancient city wall adds historical significance. The design successfully addresses the challenge of creating a contemporary functional space while maintaining the integrity of the protected historical structure, demonstrating exceptional skill in balancing preservation with modern utility.
architectural heritage, contemporary design, meditation space, traditional Chinese architecture, cultural preservation, adaptive reuse
CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'Lai Yard Office.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=442289 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
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