Kris Lin International Design: Winner of the Architect of the Year Awards 2025. 1. PROJECT EXPLANATION:

1. Purpose:

 Create a multifunctional, open commercial space that breaks traditional boundaries, providing a free-flowing environment that promotes social interaction, relaxation, and engagement.

• Function:

 Integrate coffee, casual dining, reading, exhibition, and other functions to meet diverse customer needs, offering a comfortable and interactive space experience.

• Methodology:

A three-in-one approach combining architecture, decorative design, and landscape design.

2.INSPIRATION:

Concept: Boundaryless Integration
As modern lifestyles evolve, space demands go beyond function to focus on experience and interaction.

Inspired by the concept of “Boundless Fusion,” the design features a glowing glass box that floats within the space. Flexible layouts, material transitions, and strategic lighting blur the boundaries between different areas. A seamless glass curtain wall connects the interior and exterior, enhancing openness and flow. This design creates an open, multifunctional space that fosters social interaction and a connection to nature, allowing users to relax and enjoy endless possibilities.

3.MATERIALS:

Flexible Layout:
Avoided traditional fixed partitions and instead used furniture, lighting, and landscape elements to naturally divide the space. This layout allows different functional areas to connect seamlessly without creating a sense of oppression or excessive separation.
Material and Lighting Application:
By using layered materials (such as wood, marble, and glass) and varied lighting effects, we created visual boundaries within the space while maintaining openness and a natural atmosphere.
Multifunctionality and Interactivity:
There are no clear barriers between functional areas, but detailed designs (such as furniture arrangements, lighting, and greenery) guide the flow and interaction of people within the space. Each area can be flexibly adjusted based on usage needs, enhancing the overall space experience.

4.TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:

We selected high-quality, durable, and sustainable materials to ensure both aesthetic appeal and sustainability:

• Stone Slabs:
  Crystal Blue Diamond Stone: 1200mm x 2700mm x 6mm
  Glacier White Jade (Glossy) Stone: 1200mm x 2700mm x 6mm
  Both slabs are durable, stain-resistant, and recyclable, meeting environmental standards and reducing maintenance costs.
• Metal Tiles:
  Andogue Metal Tiles: Highly durable and corrosion-resistant, extending the lifespan and meeting sustainability requirements.
• Ceiling Material:
  Metal Mosaic: Durable, easy to clean, reduces maintenance, and meets green building standards.
• Stainless Steel and Wall Fabric:
  Black Mirror Stainless Steel: High reflectivity, enhances spatial perception, durable and easy to clean.
  Blue Velvet Wall Fabric: Eco-friendly and recyclable, adding an elegant touch to the space.

5. INTERACTION:

This project is an open, free-flowing space that combines functional zones like coffee, casual dining, reading, and exhibition. By breaking away from traditional closed commercial layouts, it seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor environments, creating an expansive, open feel. The design fosters natural interactions and free-flowing social activities, emphasizing flow and interactivity while removing physical boundaries to cultivate an adaptable, multifunctional atmosphere where everyone can find their rhythm.

6.RESEARCH ABSTRACT:

By innovative design, we have created a space that meets modern commercial needs while offering high social interactivity and design aesthetics.

• Social Interaction: The design encourages communication and interaction, providing a common space for people from different backgrounds and interests, fostering social and cultural exchanges, which is especially important in a society that values social connections.
• Multifunctional Public Space: The project showcases the potential of multifunctional spaces, serving as a café, exhibition space, social area, or quiet reading zone, meeting diverse group needs.
• Attractiveness and Brand Image: The innovative design allows the commercial space to stand out in a competitive market, enhancing the brand image and attracting more customers.

7.RESEARCH CHALLENGE:

The most difficult part was realizing the “Boundaryless Integration” concept, particularly in space layout, functional zone division, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor environments. Although this concept has creative value, it faced several challenges during implementation.Space Function Layout
Challenge: Multiple functional areas (such as coffee, casual dining, reading, and exhibition) need to be integrated in a limited space without interfering with each other.
Solution: We adopted a flexible layout, guiding the flow of functional areas through furniture, lighting, and landscape design, avoiding traditional partitions. By changing materials and varying furniture heights, we naturally divided the space, preserving independence while achieving organic integration.

Project Details:-
Firm
Kris Lin International Design

Designer
Kris Lin

Project Name
Open Mind Coffee

Project Category
Commercial Interior Built

Team
Kris Lin , Anda Yang

Project Location
Chengdu , China

Country
China

Photography ©Credit
©Kris Lin International Design

Kris Lin International Design has been rooted in Shanghai for 23 years, serving China’s top 100 real estate developers and Southeast Asian projects. Specializing in integrated architectural, interior, soft decoration, and landscape design, KLID adheres to the philosophy of “Innovation through expertise, vision with depth.” Led by Kris Lin and Director Yang Jiayu, the firm has created numerous iconic projects, upholding originality and pursuing excellence.