For this project in Xi’an, China, Shenzhen 31Design has once again partnered with Singapore’s Ascott Group to design the lyf serviced apartments tailored for millennials. Creative Director Huang Tao merges the city’s cultural heritage of the city where the project is located, with the essence of the lyf brand, targeting the young and fashionable.
The 31Design team integrates traditional culture with contemporary elements, embedding curatorial, artistic, and trendy designs. They craft a distinctive space that blends millennial culture with Xi’an’s heritage.
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- Photo credit: Qiwen
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- Photo credit: Qiwen
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- Photo credit: Xiao Xiang
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- Photo credit: Qiwen
Drawing inspiration from the Tang Dynasty and the historical Silk Road’s “West Market,” 31Design incorporates horses as symbols of East-West exchange. Inspired by Tang Dynasty architecture, they create a social space combining hotel reception, cafés, and bars, enhanced by dialect neon lights.
In communal areas, dispersed street lights evoke the Tang Dynasty’s splendor. Blue, historically significant in Tang Sancai ceramics, evokes openness and tranquility.
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- Photo credit: Xiao Xiang
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- Photo credit: Xiao Xiang
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- Photo credit: Qiwen
31Design, inspired by Tang Dynasty architectural ridges, creates a unique social space combining hotel reception, cafés, and bars. Dialect neon lights enhance the authentic and warm hospitality.
Walking through Chang’an Markets, the communal lights evoke the Tang Dynasty’s splendor. The use of blue in the design brings a sense of openness and tranquility, reminiscent of Tang Sancai ceramics.
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- Photo credit: Qiwen
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- Photo credit: Qiwen
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- Photo credit: Xiao Xiang
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- Photo credit: Xiao Xiang
The design focuses on visible spaces and “interactive connections” to foster community. Various settings create a space full of life experiences, encouraging interactions and emotional connections between people and their surroundings.
The design team captures Xi’an’s historical context to establish a hotel where like-minded visitors can socialize. Functional areas like kitchens, restaurants, shared offices, leisure zones, and laundry rooms promote social interaction, turning the hotel into a “super show” of culinary skills, talents, and creativity.
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- Photo credit: Xiao Xiang
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- Photo credit: Xiao Xiang
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- Photo credit: Xi’an Chasing Light Real Estate
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- Photo credit: Qiwen
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- Photo credit: Qiwen
Maps on room walls inspire guests to explore Xi’an, meet new people, and experience the city’s cultural charm.
Balancing art and commerce is challenging, requiring wisdom and courage. The team uses modern interpretations of Chinese heritage to create a surreal artistic experience, setting a new benchmark for hotel design. Koi elements introduce trendy characters, adding social creativity and emotional value.
The idea of koi carrying aspirations reflects the ancient belief of fish as messengers, symbolizing travelers coming together to celebrate the Tang Dynasty.
31Design blends history with the present, art with everyday life, and spaces with spirit through innovative design techniques, creating vibrant and resonant designs.
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- Photo credit: Xi’an Chasing Light Real Estate
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- Photo credit: Xi’an Chasing Light Real Estate
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- Photo credit: Xiao Xiang
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- Photo credit: Xiao Xiang
