Esquel Innovation & Incubation VillageIncubator
A System that Grows
The core concept is inspired by the growth and flexibility found in the productive lands of Xinjiang, which nurture a diverse range of nutritious fruits and plants for the benefit of its people. Our design embodies the essence of an incubator, providing a nurturing environment for the furniture system to evolve and expand.
From Furniture to Interior
Inspired by the grape trellis structures found throughout Xinjiang, we created a veranda that provides users with a sense of belonging while dividing the space into distinct zones for quiet reflection or collaborative work. A flexible lighting system installed along the length of the veranda allows users to adjust the lighting to suit their needs. Interwoven partitions create moments of privacy at strategic locations.
Public Commune Area
Multiple commune areas are spread around the factory along the public corridor, serving as places of gathering, production and display. Here incubatees, tenants, and visitors frequently interact and engage in conversations, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. The area’s benches and seating areas provide spaces for impromptu discussions, meeting sessions, or simply a place to take a break and connect with others.
Exposed Ceiling
As part of our design approach, we decided to remove the old false ceiling in the public areas, revealing the impressive lofty headroom of the factory. This unveiling showcases the captivating beauty of the steel truss structure and prefabricated concrete ceiling slabs that lie above the space. New wood fiber panels are installed to enhance acoustic qualities. To ensure sustainable practices, we kept the substructural ceiling frame and repurposed the existing airducts, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Old maintenance walkways are made accessible to visitors, providing them with an opportunity to experience and appreciate the remarkable ceiling design. By integrating these elements, we have transformed the public areas into a visually striking and acoustically optimized space, while prioritizing sustainability and visitor engagement
Furniture & Interior
Our furniture design is centered around a unique and versatile system that allows for assembly, disassembly, and adaptation as needed in the future.
Knitting Points into Lines and Planes
The furniture system exemplifies the design philosophy of point, line, plane, and space. The standard unit is made up of four elm wood pillars, which represent the “point”. The design’s construction arrangement is inspired by the knitting process, reflecting the early steps of intertwining and weaving. These intertwined structures create the “lines” that facilitate the installation of “planes” such as benches, seats, tables, walkways, and ceilings. Together, these components shape the “space”. This intricate network of elements allows for various configurations in terms of length, height, and function, enabling the furniture to adapt to different needs and spaces.
Flexibility of Modular System
By integrating this movable modular system, our design caters to the ever-changing requirements of users. It provides a dynamic and sustainable solution for contemporary working environments, emulating the growth and adaptability found in nature. The furniture system offers not only structural stability but also aesthetic appeal, merging form and function seamlessly.
Sustainability
The furniture and interior system boasts an incredibly sustainable design. It can be shipped in a flat-pack manner and disassembled and reassembled as needed. Thanks to its modular construction, damaged or worn components can be easily repaired or partially replaced. The furniture is crafted from sustainable and durable materials such as solid wood, recyclable aluminum, and wood-plastic composite, ensuring long-lasting use while minimizing environmental impact. In total, our project represents an innovative approach to furniture design, focusing on the principles of growth, adaptability, and sustainability. The visual representation and functional capabilities of the design echo the interwoven nature of knitting, while the analogy of fertile lands emphasizes its potential to nurture and support a multitude of purposes and experiences.
