Golucci Interior Architects Honors Tradition of Handcrafting Fans in Beijing Studio and Retail Locale
In a nod to the ancient craft of creating fans, Golucci Interior Architects designed a two-story fan workshop and retail space on Qianmen street in Beijing, modeled after the simplistic structure of a fan. And since handheld fans are synonymous with Chinese and Japanese heritage, Fan Workshop Beijing melds elements from both cultures.
To anchor the space, the design team implanted Japanese-style lines into the existing Chinese structure, ultimately, creating a visual that brings to life the idea of stepping into a beautifully designed fan. “It is an old house in Beijing’s old town that has been put into a brand new contemporary surface,” says LEE Hsuheng, chief designer on the project and director at Golucci Interior Architects, noting the importance of creating an environment that appeals to younger generations, in hopes of reviving craft traditions.
Once inside, visitors can browse a wide variety of fan designs featuring different shaped heads, spines, and handles made from various species of bamboo before heading up to the second-floor workshop. The terrazzo floor tiles and white latex paint throughout add an element of airiness to the the workshop and retail space, as does the overhead cloud art installation. “I think the most difficult challenge was how to blend the Japanese and Chinese cultures in this space,” added Hsuheng, noting that the design also serves as a call to action—ensuring the survival of craftmaking traditions.
