Nanchang Villa Experience Centre’s Four Seasons Exploratory Journey

Located in Wuxi, China, near the Grand Canal, the Nanchang Villa Experience Centre is designed by GFD Design Firm to denote oriental charm in a modern setting. It draws design inspiration from Life Portraits of the Yongzheng Emperor Throughout the Twelve Months, a set of scroll paintings portrayed in the Qing Dynasty. Using contemporary design languages to define the spatial layout, forms, and structures, the project subtly represents the four seasons in those paintings. 

Embellished with decorative details, the foyer guides visitors to embark on a journey that explores the four seasons. Dynamic light and shadows interchange with varied material textures to create visual impact and evoke one’s senses. Structures present a sense of order, while a curved metal grid at the corner outlines the contour of the space.

The art corridor brings in flowing water and a mountain rock to echo the ancient Grand Canal. Flowing water and lighting create a dynamic, ethereal ambience in the art corridor. These elements blur the boundary between structures, enrich the visual effects, and create an immersive, interactive experience.

The space incorporates traditional architectural features with white walls, grey roof tiles, courtyards, and screen dividers. Throughout, a harmonious and calming atmosphere ensues. An ornate, statement-making curved light fixture mimics the appearance of rolling mountains and a flying phoenix – instantly adding sophistry and elegance to the space.

Four seasons are depicted throughout, with attention paid to details to engage one visually and emotionally. The interior is elegantly styled, each space unfolding beautifully to create a vision of coherence and flow. While emphasis is placed on conjuring modern outlines, textures and scale, traditional nuances inject added personality to this character-filled experience centre.