Drawing inspiration from the warm futuristic aesthetic of the sci-fi film "Her", designer Xiaoxi Xiong has reimagined the Beijing office of furniture brand Fnji as an appealing, soft grey oasis of creativity.
Nestled on the topmost floor of the Qianlima International Building in Shunyi, Beijing, the Fnji Studio is a spatial wonder designed for efficient work and relaxed leisure alike.
The expansive 7-meter-high space has been thoughtfully transformed into a two-tiered loft, accommodating over ten uniquely tailored office spaces and meeting zones. Additionally, the layout includes dining, relaxation, and exercise areas, an intriguing "animal zoo", and an impressive staircase meeting room that can hold up to 80 people. This smart allocation of spaces encourages the Fnji team to seamlessly blend work and leisure, fostering a balanced, productive environment.
Influenced by movies like "Her", which weave the threads of future-focused vision and nature, the studio's interior dons a serene grey color palette. The muted hues lend the office a sense of order and harmony, creating an atmosphere that's both comforting and conducive to creativity and productivity.
The office benefits greatly from its south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows, which allow sunlight to generously bathe every corner of the workspace throughout the day. Mindful of not being overly exposed to the sun's rays, semi-transparent curtains have been installed. These curtains act as gentle light diffusers, coaxing softened sunlight into the room and creating an enchanting interplay of light and shadow. This unique design approach by Fnji avoids the sharp boundaries of artificial objects, instead favoring a 'visible magic' that connects elements together and provides a surreal visual experience.
Adding a touch of dynamism to the workspace, a spiral staircase graces the first floor's western side. Its multi-dimensional curved surfaces breathe life into the space, while the arc-shaped handrail and the natural texture of the clay wall invite tactile engagement. To offset the possibility of monotony from the dominant grey palette, the relaxation area on the second floor sports vibrant orange sofas. This bold choice doesn't disrupt the overall ambience. On the contrary, it adds a splash of playful surprise, much like the protagonist Theodore's bright shirts in "Her", making the space more inviting and intriguing, just as life should be.
