In the early 1970s, kung fu superstar Bruce Lee articulated his philosophy of water - a concept that became widely known and profoundly influential. In 2024, nearly half a century later, MASONPRINCE is poised to carry forward Bruce Lee's philosophy of life at Guangzhou's Yongqingfang, the site of his ancestral home

Rooted in the ethos of "classless fashion collective," MASONPRINCE embraces no fixed design language. It transcends class boundaries with adaptability, inclusivity, dynamism, and energy - just like water. Simple and free, yet powerful, the brand emerges like surging waves, and embraces a long-term vision like an endlessly flowing stream.

At the heart of bustling Yongqingfang stands a distinctive Sai Kwan-style building, its unique corner design boldly redefining the boundaries between tradition and modernity. Here, a secret world of Sai Kwan awakens in serenity. It is not merely a guardian of history but also an explorer of the future. The building's facade showcases Lingnan architectural style. Blue bricks and gray tiles evoke the passage of time, while vibrant glass curtain walls bathe this historic structure in a glow of the future. The flame of MASONPRINCE's vision has ignited in Yongqingfang, heralding a new beginning for the convergence of culture and ideas. The history of Yongqingfang and the future of MASONPRINCE merge, bringing forth rebirth. MASONPRINCE is steadily unfolding in the heart of Yongqingfang, inviting every passerby to engage in a profound dialogue of consciousness and ideas.

The first floor is designed with the concept of a "Tea House," crafting a social retail space that blends classical Oriental aesthetics with cutting-edge contemporary design. MASONPRINCE warmly welcomes guests from all over the world, inviting them to savor moments of leisure and connection. The entrance gate combines modern design with Lingnan heritage, featuring a quaint plaque and traditional Cantonese windows. From the first glance, it exudes the timeless elegance and cultural ambiance rooted in Sai Kwan.

A "roulette wheel" is cleverly placed above the central octagonal fountain pool, creating a harmonious coexistence with profound symbolism: "Turn of Fortune." This design not only echoes an auspicious belief cherished by Cantonese people but also creates a visual highlight that elevates the space's atmosphere. The spatial layout draws inspiration from the octagon, a symbol of completeness and perfection in traditional Chinese culture. This geometric framework creates a balance of symmetry and dynamism. Every wall and corner has been thoughtfully designed to maintain overall harmony while subtly defining different functional areas. Upon entering, customers are captivated by the play of light filtered through the stained glass.

Cantonese culture highly values good omens, with water symbolizing wealth and vitality. The flowing water converges within the installation, representing an endless stream of good fortune. Upon closer inspection, the retro metal components evoke the nostalgic memories of pinball machines, a beloved childhood pastime.The perfectly symmetrical space, interwoven with mirrored reflections, creates a kaleidoscopic, dreamlike world. At the same time, it embodies the profundity, balance, and transformations inherent in Oriental cultural aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from Eastern architectural aesthetics, the classic octagonal symbol, signifying "wealth from all directions," permeates the space. From the retro-style ceiling light to decorative details, the space invites customers to trace an enduring classic language.

Ancient objects are reimagined through modern techniques, transforming into intriguing installations. For instance, the "scale," symbolizing balance and symmetrical beauty, carries memories of the past and inspires spontaneous interaction. It invites customers to explore the space and engage with its cultural narratives. Glazed fish ornaments, a distinctive feature of traditional Lingnan architecture's eaves, is ingeniously integrated with the central column. The glass display stand surrounding the column, as blue as the sea and as green as jade, mirrors a tranquil water surface. The glazed fish, perched on the column, seems to leap out of the calm water, embodying agility and freedom, while conveying a transcendent and peaceful ambiance. A fascinating connection emerges between the glazed fish column and the glass display stand. They transcend mere fixtures, serving as a bridge between reality and dreams, materiality and spirituality. The display stand, made from retro transparent glass, echoes the building's original stained glass windows, radiating vibrant Cantonese romance. It feels as though one is transported back to the bustling shops of the past century. Incorporating the Cantonese tradition of koi fish-keeping, a revered symbol of luck and prosperity, the design adds a playful touch to the space's curated displays.

A row of "birdcages" hangs gracefully in the air. The modern technological screens, combined with the imagery of caged birds, serve as a vessel of freedom and imagination, creating a striking contrast with the massive boulder-inspired front desk below. This design infuses the birdcage screens with the meanings of freedom, joy and prosperity while also echoing the Cantonese tradition of bird-walking and morning tea. This unconventional, whimsical installation immerses customers in the unique humor and charm of Cantonese culture.

The fair scale transforms into a table lamp, seamlessly integrating with the birdcages and boulder. Together, these elements construct a simple yet profound Oriental narrative: the birdcages represent agility, the boulder symbolizes stability, and the fair scale reflects delicate balance. They collectively speak to the cosmic mystery of harmonious coexistence. Retro aesthetics intertwine with futurism, creating a space that stirs infinite imagination. Guided by clear and orderly lines, customers step into a fitting room where Chinese and Western lifestyles converge.

The clothes folding area takes inspiration from Western-style retro ticket counters, combining symmetrical design with metallic luster, mirrored surfaces, and dramatic lighting. This creates the illusion of being immersed in a quiet cinematic moment. Meanwhile, the internal fitting rooms are inspired by elevator spaces, equipped with automated doors. Heavy Western-style stone elements are subtly integrated with quaint Chinese wooden doors, offering an unexpected and delightful experience. The fluid circulations of the space form a loop, converging at the staircase that leads to the second-floor "dojo." Metal-textured walls and doors skillfully delineate spatial layers, achieving a balance between visibility and concealment. In homage to the architectural features of Sai Kwan Mansion, the design retains the original stained glass windows, creating a stunning interplay of light and colors within the interior, making every step seem to be a poetic journey through time.

Yongqingfang is home to the ancestral residence of Bruce Lee, the world-renowned kungfu legend. Bruce Lee famously coined the martial arts philosophy of "Be Water," believing that true martial art is concise, direct, and efficient. Inspired by this concept, the second-floor store space embraces purity and cohesion while celebrating simplicity, enduring Oriental aesthetics and the natural beauty of authenticity. The entire space is grounded in a beige color palette, with rough square brick flooring creating a sense of historical resonance beneath every step - quiet yet powerful. Weapon racks, reimagined as clothing displays, bring to life the layout of traditional dojo.

A bionic figure slowly approaches the wooden dummy, its movements exuding mechanical precision and fluidity. It begins to move around the dummy, each step a finely-tuned dance of calculated precision - honoring ancient martial arts rhythms while incorporating the accurate control of modern technology. At this moment, time seems to stand still, as a spiritual connection forms between the wooden dummy and the bionic martial artist—interdependent, each enhancing the other. Together, they weave a fascinating narrative of martial arts, technology, and consciousness.The black wooden dummy and the bionic martial artist become the visual focal point of the space, paying homage to the spirit of traditional martial arts while reviving its practice through modern technology.

The wooden dummy's surface, with clear lines that seem to contain boundless strength and wisdom, offer the martial artist a more authentic and dynamic training experience. The bionic figure performs impressive arm swings as it engages with the wooden dummy, constantly challenging itself and pushing its limits—drawing customers into the highest realm of martial arts training. This fusion of art and technology creates an immersive, surprising experience for customers, enveloping the space in a soft, dreamlike ambiance. The weapon rack and scroll together represent the duality of this world. One symbolizes strength and courage, while the other embodies culture and artistry - hard versus soft, dynamic versus static. Although seemingly opposites, they complement each other, reflecting distinct yet interconnected values: the bravery to confront challenges and the wisdom to pursue beauty. The weapon rack, both a display fixture and a cultural artifact, features adjustable upper and lower components. It creates the sensation of being in a dojo, inviting a more direct and profound connection with Bruce Lee's Kung Fu legacy.

The third floor takes "Guild Hall" as its design theme, cleverly integrating the imprint of the 1970s and 1980s Western department stores in Guangzhou with MASONPRINCE's iconic "modern retro office" store identity. This space represents a dialogue between the classic and the future. The unique "office" scenography of MASONPRINCE transcends mere functionality, creating a progressive spatial narrative across three interconnected areas in sequence. The journey begins with the "lobby," followed by the "office," and finally the "meeting room." The gradual progression of spatial experiences navigates customers through a seamless and unique spatial journey. A stairwell leading to the third floor is bathed in natural light filtering through the grid-pattern skylights. The handrails, reminiscent of Western-style influences found in ancient Cantonese houses, create a dialogue between contemporary lifestyle and Lingnan cultural context. Lingnan-style colored glass, illuminated by sunlight, casts a vibrant, mysterious interplay of light and shadow across the space, enriching the overall ambiance.

The "monitoring" visual interfaces, presented artistically, blend the visuals of the natural environment, human movement, digital artworks, and modern reinterpretations of the "Borrowing Arrows with Thatched Boats" story. Each screen displays independent yet interconnected images, collectively forming a multi-dimensional "Four-Way Mirror World." This installation draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese story "Borrowing Arrows with Thatched Boats" and the modern technological concept of "Four-Way Monitoring." Through subtly curated visual and spatial effects, it explores the interplay between traditional wisdom and modern technology, as well as the intricate relationship between individuals and the surrounding environment. At the third-floor entrance, the installation features a striking presentation of the "Borrowing Arrows with Thatched Boats" story, sparking a dynamic dialogue between ancient and modern cultures. It invites customer interaction, with each soft arrow on the thatched bed that can be freely pulled out and inserted, offering a playful outlet for mental decompression and emotional release.

Above is a reimagined Art Deco-style lighting fixture, which aligns with the space's symmetrical aesthetics. Resembling the radiant sun, it casts a soft, candlelight-like glow that immerses customers in a nostalgic atmosphere. The design integrates various elements in a surprising way: an installation inspired by ancient "Borrowing Arrows with Thatched Boats" story merges with the four-way monitoring screens; a printer coexists with a fish tank; an office desk transforms into a running track; a conference table supports a swimming pool; clothes rail fixers converted from sewing machine presser feet; and a folding table reimagined from scale table. This creative fusion of traditional elements with contemporary life breaks spatial boundaries and blurs the definition of function, inviting customers to detach from reality and inspiring deep reflection and innovation.

The design plays with spatial typologies, integrating an "office" scene into the in-store experience. An art installation redefines conventional workspace by transforming the daily office environment into a vibrant miniature sports field. By ingeniously utilizing a limited desk space, the design  integrates creative aesthetics with functionality, encouraging moments of relaxation and vitality during work breaks. At the same time, it introduces an engaging and interactive dimension to the "office" scene. This fusion is achieved not through mere physical juxtaposition but through meticulous planning and arrangement, creating a subtle interplay of visuals, emotions, and functions. The inclusion of miniature sports equipment and dynamic line designs immerses customers in a micro athletic world.

The design responds to the contemporary social context by transcending spatial limitations. Elements such as the boldness of a diving platform, the dynamism of a running track, and the shimmering fluidity of transparent bricks turn seemingly opposing scenes into a vibrant lifestyle that resonates deeply with customers. As an old Cantonese saying goes, "Stay calm, but act quickly." It underscores the idea of maintaining internal composure and rhythm, even amidst external chaos and disorder. The space blurs the boundary between dream and reality. Arched glass windows cast ethereal light onto the central installation, while ceiling-mounted linear lights extend the narrative, evoking the nostalgic charm of Western department store offices from old Guangzhou. The combination of a fish tank with a printer challenges traditional office conventions in a way that is bizarre yet reasonable, implying the myriad possibilities of "existence" and the boundless creativity of transformation. This fusion serves as both a reflection of reality and a pursuit of the surreal, inviting customers to encounter the unfamiliar within the familiar and find resonance in the unexpected experience. The fish tank, a favorite item among Cantonese people, is reimagined as a printer, while a bathroom showerhead becomes a symbolic water source. These unrestricted, whimsical ideas materialize into a tangible form of philosophical reflection, challenging preconceived notions of everyday forms.

The swimming pool atop the conference table seeks to foster emotional and psychological resonance. The conference table symbolizes intellect and inspiration, while the swimming pool evokes freedom and unrestrained fluidity. This juxtaposition doesn't completely detach from reality but instead subtly reinterprets and reconstructs it. Through its artful ambiguity, it presents a "meeting room" scene that is both familiar and otherworldly—a fusion of dreams and reality. This design captures a fleeting desire— who hasn't sat at a conference table, daydreaming of "surfing the waves" at a resort? The design offers a metaphorical journey into a warm pool, challenging the tense dynamics of office life and embodying an idealized, relaxed working state.

Through the creative combination of button and clock, this unique art installation delves into the intricate relationships between time, choice, and destiny. Much like buttons, which are small yet capable of connecting disparate garments and lives, clocks, though large, cannot control the flow of time. The octagonal motif extends onto the clock, symbolizing a spatial experience that traverses timelines: the past becomes the present, and the present merges into the future. Looking around, delicate components of antique sewing machines are reimagined as lamps and metal lines. These unique elements evoke a magnified mechanical world, where every mechanism unveils a new portal, transporting customers into fresh layers of experience. The third-floor fitting room emphasizes retro metallic textures that evoke the passage of time. Western classical elegance harmonizes with local cultural essence, crafting a romantic and carefree lifestyle amid today's fast-paced era. Transformed from an elevator space, the fitting room features a mottled metallic finish with cool, mysterious tones, inviting customers to envision themselves as protagonists in a cinematic narrative full of dramatic tension. At the heart of the clothes folding area, an enlarged scale—set against a refined, vintage green palette—serves as a centerpiece. It invites customers on an immersive journey, tracing the aesthetics of retro lifestyles.

TOMO Design delved deeply into MASONPRINCE's brand ethos and its resonance with the architectural and cultural essence of the space. By engaging with the unique cultural charm of Guangzhou and its modern, diverse lifestyles, the interactive design intertwines retro elegance, contemporary vibrancy, and avant-garde fashion into an immersive spatial experience, honoring tradition while embracing renewal.