"The nobility of Chang'an cherishes the fading spring, competing to admire the peonies blooming along the western street" - Lu Lun

Stepping on every brick and tile derived from the ancient Chang'an (now known as Xi'an), one can almost hear the whispers from thousands of years ago. The afterglows on the ancient city walls appear as golden as if echoing the prosperity of several millennia ago. Adjacent to the Qujiang Pool, the project has captured its enchanting scenery described in ancient poems.

Nestling against the Qinling Mountains and embracing Qujiang Pool, THE CITY ONE ("Qixia Li" in Chinese) features architectural aesthetics that blend ancient historical charm with contemporary rhythm, creating a peaceful retreat within the bustling city. The Chinese name originates from the Qixia Gate of ancient Chang'an, evoking an elegant prelude at the end of spring and the beginning of summer, singing a unique melody of tranquillity and elegance through the changing seasons. Using the city's fabric as a design element and every touch of texture as a colour palette, it delicately outlines the quiet dialogue between people and dwellings throughout the four seasons. Every time I return home seems like a poetic journey through time.

Natural Realm · Spiritual Haven

Nestled in a bustling city, yet surrounded by nature, the courtyard is the first chapter highlighting the harmonious integration of urban life and natural tranquillity. Every element, from the lines, and lush greenery to the winding paths, invites a deep connection with nature, gently embracing everyone who enters this realm. As dawn breaks, the morning dew and mosses on the antique grey tiles come together to whisper stories of the classical gardens with a timeless language, while softly harmonising with the rhythms of modern life. Behind the layers of vegetation is a peaceful retreat from the urban chaos. The classical building exudes a serene and artistic atmosphere while the courtyard's scenery holds profound significance throughout the changing seasons, cultivating the abundance of soul for those who wander through it. 

The entrance, featuring a 'Seeking the Realm' sign board, marks the beginning of a natural journey for the soul and ridding the secular world, subtly connecting the courtyard and the main building. The architecture stands tall and tranquil, creating a humble atmosphere amidst the urban jungle, offering a lush sanctuary of pure serenity amid the noise of the city.

Cultural Heritage · Harmonious Coexistence

Once entering the lobby, one is immediately struck by the juxtaposition of cold metal and warm marble, creating a dialogue between different textures that silently attract every gaze. The art installation "Humanity and Architecture Throughout History" quietly hangs to one side, drawing visual focus and serving as a nexus for sentiments and thoughts. It complements the water drop installation below, appearing as if time has been solidified.

Metal lines weave through, outlining a mysterious and tranquil Eastern style with an orderly rhythm. The installation's design conveys peacefulness with infinite vitality and imagination, achieving perfect harmony among nature, art, humanity, and living. A golden chandelier hangs in a casual way, blending with the light streaming in from the window. The shadows of plants are subtly reflected on the walls, resembling a natural artistic masterpiece, echoing the deep metal walls around and whispering the story of light and shadow.

Moving inside, the atrium suddenly opens up, with simple lines and soft light interwoven, injecting vitality into the tranquil space. The wide frame brings in the outdoor greenery, quietly dissolving the boundaries between inside and outside. The conversation area and water bar are set with light, both hidden and open, harmoniously integrated. Cold marble and warm wooden veneers echo the materiality contrasts in the lobby, performing a duet of vision and touch, giving the space a richer aesthetic and warmth.

Just as nature is like the original sound of life, which accumulates the power of eternal prosperity; space is like dynamic light and shadow, which conveys continuous energy. Further inside, visitors' attention is drawn to a water-like fabric dancing in the air, gently intertwined with the metal lustre, displaying a vivid texture and containing a sense of tension and agility. Facing Qujiang Pool, the project resembles a cool clear stream merging into flourishing summer, depicting continuous cultural heritage with modern design languages, and touching the soul through a restrained and moderate artistic form. Here, simplicity contains a profound significance, and within that simplicity, the inner mind is enriched with endless beauty, allowing people to enjoy tranquillity in a corner of the bustling city. Turning to a quiet corner, an old charred wood bench is nestled in the negotiation space. The natural texture reveals the imprints of time, exuding a sense of peace, art, nature and culture resonating in this private space.

A Spiritual Journey with Tea Aroma

Through the full-length floor-to-ceiling windows, a captivating view of an independent space on the other side of the courtyard unfolds. This VIP area is nestled deeper in the courtyard, blending subtle Oriental charm with modern aesthetics, enriching the ambience. The large glass windows seamlessly integrate the natural scenery into the room, while low-height furniture and elegant furnishings in front of the window add a touch of storytelling to the space.

The meticulous arrangement of the space forms a visual connection between the indoor and outdoor scenes, merging the view outside the window with the interior environment, creating a seamless flow of time and space. A fusion of classic Eastern elements with modern craftsmanship gives birth to a lively and natural spatial order, evoking a sense of rejuvenation and an appreciation for the natural beauty of mountains, waters, and blooming flowers.

THE CITY ONE is a harmonious blend of nature and culture, where the essence of Eastern aesthetics intertwines with the space, establishing a profound connection between nature and sentiments, as well as offering diverse expressions of coexistence with nature.