BetterLife Group Headquarter
Erected in the early 1970s, before China opened its economy, the building was designed to house manufacturing activities for metallurgy spare parts. As with most factories of the time, the utilitarian rectilinear structure is laid with red bricks in a common bond, well-fenestrated with evenly spaced windows. Plenty of steel–concrete columns, truss, and beams throughout the interior remain to this day to support the building.
Photography © Weiqi Jin
Its last occupant, a local architecture company, moved into the factory 20 years ago and added floor areas by extra mezzanine levels and a second story. Referencing historical architectural elements, the last designer blew up a circular frame traditionally seen in Chinese courtyards, asserting a cultural character right across the lobby. The new headquarter will not only be an office. Partners of BetterLife will visit to foster long-lasting business relationships, and employees will be here to explore the potentials of a dynamic business environment. To adapt, the entrance is refurbished with a reflective stainless-steel box and column hang, under which a curvilinear wall band of grey bricks and step stones roll out beyond the building’s original boundaries to draw attraction.
Photography © Weiqi Jin
Unifying the space and adding solemnity, wooden railings are installed to connect and redefine the original structure‘s various levels of stairways and elevations. The same facing exte...