Architect: DJX Design Studio
Area: 13,000 m²
Year: 2023
Photography: Tan Xiaozhong, Wu Hehongquan
Video: Mingze
Design Scope: Architecture/Interior/Lighting
City: Yangpu District, Shanghai
Country: China
Shuiguo 2.0, a wellness and lifestyle project in Shanghai’s Wujiaochang district, designed by DJX Design Studio and completed in November 2023, covers 13,000 square meters. The project embodies primal purity and spiritual renewal through a design inspired by natural forms like canyons and wombs. Integrating sensory experiences with functionality creates immersive spaces that redefine urban retreats while expressing the brand’s Water Encased lifestyle.
“The spirit of the valley never dies;
It is known as the mysterious feminine.
The entrance to the mysterious feminine
Is called the root of heaven and earth.
Enduring like a thread that survives,
It is used yet never exhausted.”—— Tao Te Ching
DJX Design Studio’s Shuiguo 2.0 in Shanghai’s Wujiaochang district represents a return to natural purity, centered on water as a life-giving force. The project is built on the philosophy of “returning” to primal origins, fostering a peaceful environment free from daily distractions. The design is aligned with the brand’s concept of enhancing well-being through thoughtful spatial experiences.
Spanning 13,000 square meters, the project’s plaza-style layout and organic design elements create an atmosphere of calm and restoration. The fluid architectural forms evoke canyons, caves, and womb-like spaces, blending symbolism and modern functionality to capture the nurturing essence of water, which symbolizes life and vitality.
1. Immersed in the Womb: The Inaugural Journey of Life
The design’s exploration of natural forms and spiritual symbolism offers a unique spatial experience where logic and sensory perception intersect. The organic contours of canyons and caves introduce depth to the space while a central canopy symbolizes life’s origin. The sculptural, symmetrical layout, with subtle tones and flowing lines, reflects both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
The ceiling’s stream-like patterns and archways create dynamic lighting effects that enhance the interior’s mosaic surfaces. Ascending elongated stairs symbolize the connection between heaven and earth, inviting introspection. A pyramid structure, evoking ancient sanctuaries, guides visitors into a space where ancient themes merge seamlessly with modern design elements.
2. Sensory Tale: Submerged in Primal Splendor
The design engages the senses by focusing on fluidity and intimacy, using carefully chosen materials that evoke deep, primal connections. The spaces, with their dark, cave-like tones, offer an atmosphere that resonates with timeless human experiences. The rough textures of rock surfaces, softened by strategic lighting, create a sanctuary-like environment that blends past and present.
Transitioning from a gravel pathway to marble corridors, the design offers tactile and visual contrasts that heighten the sensory experience. The interplay between light and darkness establishes a contemplative ambiance, reinforcing the design’s emphasis on deep emotional and philosophical connections.
3. Space-Time Illusions: Unlocking the Inner Sanctum
While prioritizing sensory immersion, the design maintains practical functionality. Spaces like sleeping pods, gaming zones, and water-encased stores provide diverse experiences within this holistic retreat. The sleeping pod area, with its mirrored ceilings and geometric blocks, balances complexity with simplicity, ensuring tranquility.
In the Shuiguo store, a grid structure adds spatial depth, complemented by soft lighting and a mix of wooden and metal elements. The washroom, illuminated by a blue-pink glow, creates a sci-fi atmosphere, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. The smoking area’s futuristic design, featuring a purple halo and neon accents, contrasts sharply with the more reflective spaces.
Shuiguo 2.0 is a seamless blend of spiritual reflection and modern design, drawing on water’s healing properties and the primal connection to the womb. The project provides an environment where contemporary architecture meets timeless principles of well-being and introspection, offering a retreat rooted in both the physical and spiritual realms.
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Project Location
Address: Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
