Basao Bailuzhou

Architects: Zihan Zhao, Qing Ye

Client: Basao

Location: Xiamen, China

Completed: September, 2023

A space blending nature, people, and commerce together, where leisure redefines the boundaries.

This distinction suggests that leisure offers a deeper way of understanding boundaries. When leisure becomes central, human experience becomes the focus, and boundaries are no longer restrictive or negative.

In this project, the concept of leisure is used to reconsider the relationship between nature, people, and commercial space. Rather than creating a commercial environment that escapes reality or constructs an artificial aesthetic ideal, the design seeks a more grounded approach. It looks for an intersection between the site’s potential, the designer’s perspective, and the brand’s core values. By combining the ideas of boundary and leisure, the goal is to create a commercial space with stronger meaning and long-term relevance.

With leisure as the guiding principle, the design began by studying the relationships between the site and its surroundings. We analyzed the site boundaries and their possible spatial implications, and aligned them with the brand’s emphasis on spiritual and sensory tea experiences. This process led to the organization of the space into distinct yet connected zones.

The first is a dynamic area that connects interior and exterior. Located closest to the lake, this zone allows visitors to experience gradual changes in light and landscape. A bar that extends from inside to outside, a shared long table, and outdoor seating around the "Terminalia Mantaly" tree encourage interaction. This area supports both social activity and outward observation, while also allowing moments of inward reflection.

Radiating from this dynamic core, the area closer to the parking lot is designed as a quieter zone. With a lower ceiling height and more limited views, it offers a more intimate atmosphere. Careful planning of back-of-house areas allows the creation of smaller spaces with different orientations. These spaces accommodate tea experiences, product displays, book displays, and a reading corridor.

The mezzanine level is dedicated to traditional tea brewing. Although it is separated in terms of circulation, visual connections are maintained throughout the space. This approach preserves boundaries in movement while opening them visually, creating a balanced spatial experience.

Descriptive reasoning

Located in the center of Xiamen, Bailuzhou Park is an important recreational destination for residents. Surrounded by the Yundang Lake, which was once connected to the sea and is now an inland lake, the project location is one of ten auxiliary buildings within the park.

It sits on a lakeside slope and consists of two L-shaped volumes, both oriented toward the "Terminalia Mantaly" tree on the terrace and the lake view. Around it there are trees, vegetation and connections to the park’s walking paths, the site offers a multi-layered space that includes landscape, architecture, and interior space within an urban setting.

"Play is for the sake of work, while work is for the sake of leisure".

This project draws inspiration from Western philosophy and attempted to address the challenge through the concept of "leisure".

Aristotle wrote "Play is for the sake of work, while work is for the sake of leisure". The context here is that ancient Greeks measured life by leisure; to them, work was simply non-leisure.
And there’s a distinction between leisure and play; play represents recreational activities to escape from work, while leisure denotes a calm state to observe and listen to the world.

A focus on the customer experience over visual excess, keeping the balance of architecture, interior and landscape.

Spatial conception

The interior is not defined by decoration, but by spatial clarity, material honesty, and a calm environment that supports everyday use over time.

Interior space is understood as part of the architectural structure rather than a separate layer of design.

Technical processes

As the project develops, these conceptual lines are translated into measured drawings and spatial systems. Plans, sections, and models are used to refine proportions, circulation, and the relationship between different zones. Material choices, structural logic, and technical constraints are gradually integrated into the design, ensuring that the concept remains clear while becoming buildable.

In the later stages, the focus shifts to precision. Technical drawings, construction details, and coordination with engineers and contractors ensure that the spatial intentions are accurately executed. Junctions, dimensions, and materials are carefully resolved so that the final built space reflects the clarity of the initial concept.

First floor, plan.

Second floor, plan.

The process begins with simple conceptual studies that explore the main spatial intentions of the project, such as orientation, movement, relationships between interior and exterior, and the role of light and landscape. At this stage, lines and diagrams are used to define structure, boundaries, and hierarchy within the space. These early ideas are then tested against the realities of the site, the program, and the client’s needs.

Initial detail sketches by Qing Ye.

Essential details

Every junction, proportion and material transition is carefully resolved to ensure clarity and coherence.

Materials are selected for their inherent qualities, texture, weight, aging factor and structural logic, allowing the space to remain honest and durable over time.