Chu Chih-Kang Space Design

Chu Chih-Kang has developed multiple commercial, office, and residential space designs and event projects. His work lies on a clear relation between architecture and environment, between people and their culture, as an expression of our time’s duels.
Acclaimed by the critics and the international press, reaching a high point with “Fangsuo Bookstore in Chengdu”, and again with his work “Mountains - Waters” for Time Space Existence during La Biennale di Venezia 2016, Chu Chih-Kang answers the describer questions sharing in a few lines the main features of his work philosophy.

— Office —

I was based in Taipei; I started a studio at 2007. Around 2009 to 2010, there were few design projects to go in China, and somehow many clients were in Shenzhen. I started to explore this city, the deep I knew about it, the more design potential Shenzhen had. I founded my company in Shenzhen in 2010.

— Start a project —

It is more like the latter as you described.
I think a design job is not aiming to give clients something “stylish”, I focus more on solving problems on how to use the space. Look at the space with a good point of view, discover the key issue. Considering carefully the factors, and the result will appear naturally.

— Clients —

Talking with clients is a very important process. Doesn't matter if the clients know what they want or not at the beginning, designers can help them to figure what they really need through the talking. Observe the clients, listen to them, establish the trust in between, these are all very essential works to do in every meeting.

— Architecture in Taiwan —

Fresh and light style is a common trend in Taiwan. Compared with China, I think the market in Taiwan is more conservative. I received several international design awards with the project Fangsuo Bookstore in Chengdu, many friends in Taiwan told me I would not have the chance to reach the achievement if I did not go to China. I think they were right. But luckily, Fangsuo Bookstore in Chengdu makes people see different styles of design, and there is some good feedback. Recently we have some clients, who are more open minded, who want to try something different, even crazy. It’s challenging, but I am happy with it.

— Favorite Material —

I don’t have preferences in any specific material. However, I appreciate the authentic characteristic of materials. In my design, it is common to see the raw materials.
In Fangsuo Bookstore in Chengdu, the huge concrete column, the copper sculpture as the shell of the escalator, black iron handrail etc., people can feel the touching of the materials, and see how time leaves trace on the materials and make them more precious. In the House of Comfort, the wooden wall and floor, gives the warmth to the families who live inside.

— Influences —

The project Mountains - Waters which I exhibited at Time Space Existence during La Biennale di Venezia 2016 is telling the story. From the confined space inside the Venetian heritage building, I attempted to offer a different perspective of an urban mirage. The organic landscape of mountains and waters represents the ‘Nature’ created by humans, as the manmade extension also exhibits Nature’s growth. Since human beings are part of organic Earth, so are our buildings. The perspective encourages conservation of primitive ‘Nature’ that we have been part of. During the exhibition, the bronze work will gradually reflect the natural impact of Venice’s air, humidity, and sunlight.