Modernity Meets Nostalgia: Lanwuu Imagine Photography Studio by Aurora Design.

Is it a hotel? A flagship store? An office? It’s whatever you want it to be, baby. If we must stick it into a box, Lanwuu Imagine is a photography studio in China’s Kunming, Yunnan Province imagined by Aurora Design. This 400sqm dynamic environment invites visitors to experience the beauty of the ordinary through a blend of modernity and nostalgia.

Aurora Design’s approach to Lanwuu Imagine is rooted in the concept of ‘Time·Unfinished’, a theme that permeates every aspect of the design. This philosophy reflects the continuous passage of time and the ever-evolving nature of life. The project preserves the original structures of the site, integrating them into a new narrative that balances memory with modernity. This tension between past and present creates a sense of modern poetry, evoking curiosity and exploration.

The interior is both sophisticated and bold, employing a mix of materials like metal, stainless steel, concrete grey, wood tones, and marble. These elements combine to create a space that feels both futuristic and grounded. The use of basic geometric shapes and colours further enhances the sense of continuity and freedom. According to the team, “The aim was to craft a space that feels perpetually in progress, capturing the beauty of fleeting moments.”

Emotional Islands: Ye Xiao Xiao Tea Space by Aurora Design.

An interior made with delicate draping of fabric for a sense of luxury and an allusion to the warm hug one experiences from drinking tea—this space is ready to revive the magic found in the art of tea brewing.

One of the standout features of the studio is its use of cylindrical structures to define different functional zones. These structures create a sense of fluidity and connection, aligning with the studio’s mission to capture the beauty of everyday life. In the reception area, rotating cylindrical elements create a welcoming environment, while the exhibition space features semi-enclosed cylinders that guide viewers’ emotions and focus.

The colour palette plays a crucial role in the design, with abundant use of metal and stainless steel giving the space an artistic, high-tech texture. Concrete grey, wood tones, and marble add a layer of sophistication, while vibrant pink accents provide a striking contrast. Zhang Sijie notes, “The interplay of these materials and colours is intended to evoke a sense of unfinished artistry, reflecting the studio’s commitment to capturing the essence of life as it unfolds.”

Utter Space Photography Studio in Beijing by Cun Design.

A hunk of textured stone sits at the base of a cascading canyon of suspended shapes. This is the first image one is confronted with upon entering Cun Design’s Utter Space Photography Studio.

The studio’s layout is designed to enhance the customer experience, starting with a dramatic entrance that draws visitors into the space. The circular structure of the entrance mimics a camera lens. Inside, the chat zone doubles as a café bar, blending commercial and social elements to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The casual arrangement of seats and the touch of greenery evoke the feel of a community park, encouraging relaxed interactions.

The makeup and dressing rooms are designed with privacy and simplicity in mind, featuring wooden partition walls in a Japanese-style layout. This design choice not only ensures privacy but also creates a serene, comfortable environment for clients. The corridor space, with its graffiti and reflective metal surfaces, contrasts with the architectural concrete, highlighting the texture and structural beauty of the space.

Aurora Design’s thoughtful approach to Lanwuu Imagine extends to the smallest details, from the metal-textured sliding doors to the dynamic architectural language that reshapes the indoor scenery. The studio celebrates the beauty of everyday life, capturing moments of excitement and self-satisfaction in a space that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

What Dreams are Made of: Film Noir Studio in Geneva by Leopold Banchini Architects & Giona Bierens de Haan.

Leopold Banchini Architects and Giona Bierens de Haan looked to the era-defining film noir genre to create an inspired take on a post-production studio in Geneva.

[Images courtesy of Aurora Design. Photography by Na Xin from Inspace.]