In the realm of contemporary design, this space acts as a modern interpreter of Xi'an's cultural heritage. A colossal lantern suspended at its center captures the radiant splendor of the Tang Dynasty with its ever-present glow. Meanwhile, modern takes on traditional wooden structures create a rhythmic interplay of solid and void along the verticality of the space. Warm, amber-toned light flows across surrounding textured walls, reminiscent of the soft, lingering glow of sunset. The designer skillfully navigates cultural storytelling, blending understated aesthetics with a global sensibility, all while subtly weaving in the ancient capital's rich narrative.
The design's core concept emerges from the creative transformation of the 8-meter ceiling height. The massive lantern installation serves not only as a contemporary symbol of cultural significance but also as a key element that resolves spatial contradictions. Its approach is both subtle and precise, filling the vertical void while using the warmth and embrace of light to soften the sense of distance created by the height. The layered wooden framework echoes the ordered structure genetic to ancient timber constructions, preserving a sense of hierarchy and warmth amid the soaring space. Visitors can experience the comforting imagery of traditional lanterns alongside the awe-inspiring impact of modern installation art as they stand within the space.
In the 8-meter-high space, a suspended lantern serves as the vessel of light. The designer moves away from traditional material-heavy approaches, instead reconstructing the ambiance through pure lighting installations, with every element radiating from the central light source in carefully considered proportions. The restraint in design approach allows the space to quietly harbor emotional depths and tensions beneath its minimalist appearance.
This design strategy was born from keen observations of the space: How can one create a sense of ceremonial grandeur while maintaining human warmth within such vast vertical dimensions? The design team ingeniously devised a monumental lantern as the spatial anchor, its size carefully calibrated to ease the vertical compression of the space while drawing visual focus to the warm, luminous core. Acting as an invisible spatial binder, the installation creates vertical visual continuity through subtle light transitions, transforming what could have been an alienating void into a space that strikes a balance between awe-inspiring presence and intimate warmth.
The spatial design embraces the "Less is More" philosophy, removing unnecessary ornamentation to let the natural textures of materials and structural aesthetics convey a timeless design language. This minimalist approach not only extends the space's lifespan but also lowers maintenance costs and reduces resource consumption during renovations.
Peet’s Coffee Xi’an CCBD
LXL Architects
Silver

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Simon Goff
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Janne van Berlo
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6
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Nic Granleese
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6
6
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Lorcan O'Herlihy
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6
6
7
6
6.25

Tobias Geisler
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at VAVE Studio
4
6
5
6
5.25

Victoria Yakusha
Founder and chief architect
at Yakusha Studio & FAINA Collection of live design
5
6
5
7
5.75

Doris Sung
Principal/Director of Undergraduate Programs
at DOSU Studio Architecture/USC School of Architecture
5
6
6
5
5.5

Julio Kowalenko
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6
8
7
7
7

Jeff Yrazabal
President
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Love the green!...
7
7
8
7
7.25

Akanksha Deo Sharma
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6
8
7
7
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Location
Designer
Client
Peet’s Coffee
Floor area
159 ㎡
Completion
2024
Budget
58500 Pound
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