Zhanjiang Chengfa Runyue Life Lab Center

Zhanjiang Chengfa Runyue Life Lab Center

Zhanjiang Chengfa Runyue Life Lab Center is an innovative interior space and exhibition design project that fundamentally reimagines the traditional sales center typology by transforming it into a multifunctional urban lifestyle hub that serves as both a commercial venue and a community gathering space for young families in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China. Completed in October 2024 and spanning 1391 square meters, this interior design project represents a paradigm shift in how commercial spaces can integrate immersive experiences with local cultural identity while balancing functionality and aesthetic considerations. The design draws profound inspiration from the coastal terraced fields characteristic of the Zhanjiang region, reinterpreting these vernacular landscape elements through contemporary design language that manifests in the thoughtful spatial sequencing, interplay of light and shadow, and the creation of diverse living scenarios imbued with regional characteristics. The material palette reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability and authenticity, employing inorganic and locally sourced natural materials including wood, limestone, and terrazzo flooring treated with crystallization for enhanced moisture resistance, while native plants improve indoor air quality and reinforce the ecologically conscious design philosophy. The color scheme establishes a warm, modern foundation through rustic tones of beige, white, and gray, punctuated by vibrant orange furnishings and lush greenery that infuse the space with vitality and energy. Following the angular layout of the building, the design employs obtuse angled fold lines to maximize views and natural light penetration while eliminating sharp corners to enhance safety and spatial flow, with the central showcase flowing seamlessly into an outdoor interactive space that unites a stage, fashion store, and cafe, while a separate exhibition zone provides a quiet contrast to the more vibrant communal areas. The hybrid traffic flow design and multifunctional space planning dissolve traditional boundaries between commercial and social functions, creating highly interactive environments that respond to the evolving needs of modern families who face overwhelming anxieties and pressures in contemporary urban life. This project pioneers an open stage concept that shatters interpersonal and functional boundaries to reshape community spirit, moving beyond traditional commerce to focus on immersive offline experiences and social sharing that energize the neighborhood and promote urban cultural heritage and sustainable development. The design methodology prioritizes the harmony between people, nature, and city, adapting to the life patterns of targeted demographic groups while unlocking diverse lifestyle possibilities through the integration of outdoor scenery and natural light in an open design that redefines commercial space for dynamic modern living. Recognized with the Silver A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design category in 2025, Zhanjiang Chengfa Runyue Life Lab Center exemplifies excellence and innovation in interior design, demonstrating how commercial spaces can transcend their traditional limitations to become catalysts for community engagement and cultural expression. The award designation acknowledges the project's tremendously brilliant and exceedingly creative approach that illustrates outstanding expertise in spatial design, material selection, functional layout, and sustainable design practice, with the jury recognizing its strong technical characteristics, splendid artistic skill, original innovations, and insightful creativity that advance the boundaries of interior design. The project establishes an innovative urban culture model for Zhanjiang by propelling neighborhood development through design that perfectly combines functionality and aesthetics, inspiring curiosity through vibrant space forms and lifestyle elements that cater to young families who value both socializing and quality of life. The design process, which began in Beijing in 2023, involved extensive research into the needs and aspirations of modern young families, resulting in a space that not only serves immediate commercial objectives but also contributes to the broader cultural and social fabric of the urban environment. The integration of diverse cultural elements and amenities within the 1391-square-meter space demonstrates how interior design can serve as a medium for cultural preservation and innovation simultaneously, honoring local traditions while embracing contemporary lifestyles and design sensibilities. The multifunctional nature of Zhanjiang Chengfa Runyue Life Lab Center allows it to operate as a hybrid urban stage where various activities and interactions can occur simultaneously, from retail transactions to social gatherings, from cultural exhibitions to casual cafe conversations, thereby maximizing the utility and social value of the commercial space. The design's emphasis on natural materials and their authentic textures, achieved through minimal protective treatments such as corrosion prevention, creates a tactile and visual experience that connects occupants to the natural environment and regional material culture. The dynamic contrasts between different materials evoke a natural, soothing atmosphere that counterbalances the stimulation of urban life, providing a restorative quality to the space that enhances its appeal as a destination for families seeking respite from daily pressures. The project's success in transforming a traditional sales center into a hybrid, multifunctional life lab represents a significant achievement in contemporary interior design, demonstrating how commercial spaces can evolve to meet changing social needs and expectations while maintaining economic viability and contributing to urban vitality. The design's recognition by the A' Design Award, one of the world's most prestigious design competitions, validates its contribution to advancing industry standards and design practice, positioning it as a reference point for future projects that seek to integrate commercial, social, and cultural functions within a single cohesive spatial framework.

Silver A' Design Award winner, interior space design, multifunctional commercial space, sustainable interior design, cultural heritage integration, community-oriented architecture

— Adam Dawson