Sifang Collective
Sifang Collective is part of CIPEA, the China International Practical Exhibition of Architecture located in the capital of China’s eastern Jiangsu province, Nanjing and is one of the architectural world’s most highly-anticipated opening set unveil in December 2017. The project is comprised of 22 buildings designed by nearly two dozen of the biggest names in international and Chinese architecture, among them New York architect Steven Holl, dissident artist Ai Wewei, Chinese Pritzker prize winner Wang Shu and UK-based David Adjaye.
Most notably, the recreational center within the complex was designed by famed Italian architect, Ettore Sottsass, and his architectural practice, Sottsass Associati. December 2017 will mark the tenth anniversary of his death and coincide with the year of the project’s opening. The architect’s enduring legacy is most remembered for his industrial design work, such as the famous Olivetti Valentine Typewriter and the Carlton bookcase. His architecture, like his product design, is instantly recognizable by bold primary colors and prominent geometrical structures.
The recreation and culture center lies in a beautiful hill with a gentle slope to the south that extends into the lake. The luxuriant woods and incomparable scenery complement with each other. The center lies slightly in the ridge of the mountain. It contains the social occasion sections including the pub, the reading room and the KTV houses; it is also equipped with sauna rooms and spring massage rooms. The social occasion sections function as the main entry to the building, which has prominent visual effects. The springs for recuperation circle around a large-sized winding corridor; long and circular walls embrace the rooms in different sizes and create an internal garden. The ancient architectural notion that winding corridors should be designed in a space and size that fits human body with the most private surroundings are found here. The design of the space involves the woods and fresh air.
HBA’s Partner David T’Kint designed the interiors for the recreation center designed by Sottsass, which one of the 22 buildings placed around a lake nestled in the mountains. Sifang is managed by Artyzen Hospitality Group, whose operating philosophy of embracing "art, culture and emotional wisdom" echoes throughout the architecture and design of the project. The building's interiors celebrate the architectural language without mimicking it. Artyzen Hospitality Group is part of Shun Tak Holdings Limited, a leading conglomerate with core businesses in transportation, property, hospitality and investment.
HBA Partner David T’Kint reflects, “Ettore Sottsass' latest architectural venture is a complex architectural masterpiece connecting and disconnecting volumes. My first challenge was to make this work from an operational point of view as a wellness center with a few guestrooms and connect all the areas to make this a unified guest experience.”
HBA designers were challenged with an architectural envelope that was extremely powerful; they could not simply copy them or make them dramatically different, rather they had to analyze Sottsass' work and his unbelievable achievements throughout his long career. Using geometry, primary shapes, stripes, primary colors, black and white, the main characteristics of his most recognizable work, designers created an interior program that would seamlessly integrate to it.
Taking all of these items into consideration, HBA developed interiors that married Sottsass’ exterior architecture. Everything is based on geometrical volumes and touches of color without being overwhelming and blended with the softness required to make this space the wellness center it was intended to be. The balance between hard and soft is studied in every area to avoid the feeling of being in a museum. The walls, for example, are divided in an irregular gridline of shapes, whereas their texture is a warm white stucco. The floors are rhythmed by woolen rugs, designed as geometrical forms. The furniture is an eclectic mix of bold contemporary items, with the right balance of neutrals and colors. Accessories decorate the spaces and add to the casual feeling overall.
“While it was an honor to be part of a select group of designers and architects, part of the challenge was to create a visual identity that didn't compromise the guests' experience and expectations,” said T’Kint.
With 22 unique rooms designed for this property ranging from 43 square meters to 79 square meters, the emphasis was placed on the light atmosphere creating a sense of space with generous walk-in wardrobes and five fitting bathrooms featuring freestanding bathtubs. The visual impact rests on the views toward the surrounding nature. Entertainment is focused on traditional recreational pursuits such as mahjong, as well as table tennis and KTV.
A global approach was taken to the building design to ensure more is offered beyond the expected hotel facilities. The 1,000 square meter wellness center is more than just a spa, with an indoor pool, fitness studio and spa suites all catering to the well-being of the guest. The expansive building is an invitation to disconnect from distractions of daily life and sooth the inner soul. Beyond the spa facilities, the center promotes corporate activities and functions with a focus on harmony with nature, such as art making, reading and relaxation. The sole culinary offering is a bar on a large platform with an outdoor space that visually connects with nature on all sides.
“Sifang is a one-of-a-kind project, unique in so many different ways. Not just a hotel – an experience – driven by remarkable architecture that is not just about design. All the buildings somehow embrace the natural surroundings and each unit is unique and has its own narrative,” concluded T’Kint.
