Sun Wei References Prosperity and Moderation Linked to the Number Nine in His Firm’s Studio

2021 Best of Year winner for Firm’s Own International Office

In China, the number nine has a dual definition: prosperity and moderation. Sun Wei interpreted them both when designing the studio that he founded to tackle a broad range of disciplines, particularly in the realms of education and real estate. The first meaning, Wei says “encourages the company to take root in the industry and explore further development.” The latter “advocates a balance between career, life, and health.” All together that means a contemporary environment where the Nine Do team really wants to be and collaborate in a “love for life.”

The office entry is marked with a wooden artwork and the logo cleverly spelled out via blocks. Inside, daylight abounds. A pervasive shelving system, custom in wood and iron, stocks materials and displays plentiful greenery. Of course, there’s a stadium stair, de riguer for firm togetherness and brainstorming. An iconic Thomas Heatherwick Spun chair sits at its base. Maybe most elevated of all, literally and figuratively, are the stunning ceiling treatments pervading the 161,000-square-foot workplace where transformation is the norm. States Wei: “We often change the colors of the office and add more plants and fitness equipment hoping everyone can enjoy a balanced life.” In other words, Nine Do proffers a perfect translation of yin and yang.

Nine Do: Sun Wei; Sun Lupei; Liu Chunxiao; Chen Xiaoming