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The genesis of Andwithen is rooted in a philosophical concept, aptly captured by a line from Zhuangzi's "Qi Wu Lun": "After ten thousand lifetimes, a great saint will come once again, and those who know his solution will meet him at dusk." For Mr. Xie, whose vision underpins this unique space, this speaks to the enduring presence of those who possess true insight, destined to meet across the vastness of time, like night meeting day. This sentiment finds its echo in Lu Ji's "Wen Fu," which muses on "observing the past and present in a moment, and embracing the four seas in an instant." Andwithen, therefore, is not just a place but a "clue of time," an unexpected yet destined encounter between ancient wisdom and contemporary design.
The design journey itself was an evolution. Originally conceived as an extension of an internal product photography studio, the space continuously adapted, culminating in a definition that prioritizes "uselessness over utility." This bold approach allows for an "unfinished state," a deliberate choice that embraces adjustment and fault tolerance. As Water Team Design eloquently puts it, "Just as the moment an artist completes a work, the work itself loses its meaning; it's as uninteresting as life leading directly to death." Andwithen, then, is a living, breathing canvas, awaiting the stories that will unfold within its walls”.
Stepping into Andwithen is an experience in itself. A circular black entrance, illuminated by a faint, hopeful light, reveals the striking steel plate branding: ANDWITHEN, "A SPACE FOR....." It's a frozen book page, inviting an unknown narrative. Two hidden doors emerge from the black ring – to the left, ideals; to the right, life.
The chosen design language speaks volumes. An industrialized construction method, with fully exposed steel structures, conveys a raw strength that beautifully contrasts with the salvaged old grain silo beams and wooden structures. This juxtaposition of "new and old, and simultaneously new and old," creates a captivating temporal tension. Ascending the rotating steel ladder leads to "Room One," a mezzanine sanctuary. Here, the soft glow from window paper transforms the dim space into an instant haven of tranquility. Water Team Design’s exploration of spatial furniture integration is evident, with interesting bespoke pieces designed to extend the space's narrative.
Time, the architects assert, is a crucial dimension in their creative process, influencing material selection and evolution. Water Team Design’s signature mastery of combining diverse material textures is on full display. Gravel crystal, chosen for its coarse-grained texture, seamlessly integrates the wall and floor, providing a striking counterpoint to the recycled old factory beams. The residential area's spatial division draws inspiration from architectural corridor array wall columns, meticulously balancing privacy and sound insulation. The most intriguing aspect of the planar dimension is the dynamic interplay of various interfaces, with doors of diverse materials and proportions designed for future adaptability.
Details, as James Wood once penned, are "fragments of life extending from the decorative strip of form, earnestly inviting us to touch them." Andwithen embraces this philosophy at every turn. From door handles imbued with a sense of history to the raw stones underfoot and custom-made steel components connecting the old beams, every touchpoint is meticulously considered. Gaps intentionally created between objects further enrich the space's temporal texture.
From the Wemarch company office to Mr. Xie's study, Andwithen is the latest chapter in a compelling narrative, a "clue in terms of time." This "unfinished" art space, located in the Hangzhou Boya Times Center, represents a pioneering commercial venture.