Client: From the Perspective of Creative Production and Critical Reflection This community space, originally a gym—why, at a time of economic downturn, was it transformed into a community art space? The designer posed this question to the client. In return, he received a forward-looking question: Amid the oversaturated and saturated fitness sector, what will the urban, cultural, and spiritual life of Shenzhen residents look like in the future? Beyond the philosophical inquiry, the designer sensed a kind of mission emanating from the client—one that elevates the starting point of the project beyond the immediate timeline and imbues it with a sense of exploratory significance.
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Gold 🏆 Winner
Global Future Design Awards 2025
Temple in the Box Community Art Space
Exhibition Interior Design (Built)
Firm
TEMPLE IN THE CITY
Architect/Designer
Zhang Bo
Design Team
Zhang Jiaqin, Wang Zixun
Location
Shenzhen, China
Country
China
Photographer/Copyright
©Zhang Chao
Website
N/A
Instagram
N/A
Facebook
N/A
Whatsapp
N/A
Concept: The Inner Nature is an insight from outward to inward.
Learning from nature begins with truly seeing it. The nature expressed in “Temple in the Box Community Art Space” is a nature perceived through the heart.The first dimension of this nature is seeing oneself. In the fully open outer corridor, where time leaves fleeting impressions, the passage itself becomes the exhibition.The second dimension is seeing into one’s own heart. The enclosed interior glows like the chambers of the heart, inviting one to let go of the external and feel the rhythm of their breath in deep stillness.This narrative journey—from outside to within—creates a rich contrast and a play of light and shadow that reflects nature’s duality. At the core of the design lies the intent to offer each visitor this distinctive, immersive experience.
Generative Spatial Design Strategy
01-Break the Routine
The TITB has no front desk, but instead hopes to bring you a set of installations under the play of light and shadow. Two turns remind us to view the world from a different perspective. The first turn transforms into purity, shedding distractions. The second turn leads into the exhibition hall, where time is like a painting, and the seasons intersect.
02-Step Back: Integrate into Nature’s Essence
The space that is given up becomes the exhibition space. These spaces themselves become the flow of the exhibition. As you stroll, you feel the light pouring in and flowing at any time of the day, returning nature to nature.
03-Transition: A View from All Sides
Folding transforms the straight lines of space into relationships of Folding transforms the straight lines of space into relationships of progression and hierarchy. The undulations are like melodies, and the pauses are like pavilions. As you walk and slow down your pace, you will notice the light.While viewing a piece of art, it’s an interesting anticipation to wonder if someone might sit inside the “frame,” taking note of the beauty of the world. The presentation of an exhibition broadens one’s horizons. Understanding that everything is a landscape and appreciating the preciousness of time is the embodiment of the space’s significance.
04-Slow Down: Feel Your Inner Rhythm
Stillness can lead to tranquility, and tranquility can give birth to wisdom. When we slow down our steps and bodies, our minds also find harmony. As we gently bathe in the sunlight, we gradually become aware of ourselves.
05-Light Leaks: Through Cracks
Crack is where the light comes in, which is the first interpretation of leakage. Those so-called cracks in life experiences will ultimately become the understanding that brings you light, which is the second interpretation of leakage.
06-Heart: In Harmony with All That Is The mystery box wrapped by the exhibition hall is the multifunctional room. Blind, yet not invisible. On the contrary, when you close your eyes and look inward, your mental strength and perception will be enhanced.The endpoint of this spiritual axis is the exquisite heart. Looking into the distance from the heart, one sees a path that is both winding and vast. Looking from the distance towards the heart, one sees precisely a “middle” character intertwined with the heart. Those who perceive the heart are boundless.
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