A Response to Creation

In terms of productivity, every job demands a personalized and adaptable environment that reflects the ever-changing rhythms of society. By offering participants a greater array of choices, we ignite creativity and ensure the sustainability of their work. E Studio is honored to collaborate with PlanetRing Industry for a second time to design and reimagine their new office with this philosophy at heart.

PlanetRing Industry, a beacon of innovation in sci-fi hard surface derivative models, collaborates with titans of success such as The Wandering Earth, EVA, Arknights, and China's space program. PlanetRing's passion for blending cutting-edge production techniques with sci-fi elements results in unique models that captivate sci-fi aficionados.

01 · Deconstruction

PlanetRing's new office, nestled in a multi-tenant office building, is a sanctuary from commotions from the outside. Our design strategy diverges from the traditional to embrace the unexpected.

The office exterior takes on the philosophy of seclusion, replacing glass windows with concrete. The result is a fortress that shields against external disturbances and minimizes disruption to productivity.

But it is not completely sealed. As a twist, we strategically left glass openings to create breathing spaces, balancing the concrete's heft and diminishing its coldness. This vibrant visual harmony resonates with the high level of creativity demanded in this precise yet dynamic industry.

Translucence through orange glass

The reimagined interior seamlessly blends traditional workspaces, reception, and conference rooms with specialized areas for product display, 3D printing, cleaning, assembly, and spraying. These interconnected spaces eliminate redundant walls and corridors, creating a spacious, open workspace that defies conventional office design.

Through the main entrance, visitors are first greeted by a showroom where metal extends and achieves spatial unity with the exterior's rough, blocky essence. Flexible storage systems are installed around the entrance to accommodate various model sizes, a feature that complements the fast-paced modeling industry.

To the left, an LED screen illuminates branding messages. A multi-layered display shelf showcases models of various sizes.

Three mobile galvanized steel display cabinets greet visitors at the entrance.

The ceiling incorporates a mobile truss that can showcase large derivative models. The storage system prioritizes functionality and can be configured to the size and characteristics of different models.

The reception area's design defies convention. By using glass over solid walls, we facilitate product discussions with an unobstructed view of the showroom, balancing functionality with character.

Glass shelves to display draft drawings

Display zones flanking reception's entrance

02 · Flexibility

Beyond the reception room lies the office area, a bright, minimalist space with transparent clarity, crafted to foster seamless communication among designers.

Mobile furniture is the cornerstone of the office area, featuring modular cabinets that delineate corridors and workspaces. These versatile units hold files, tools, and figurines, while their open spaces serve as display areas, maintaining a clear and flexible visual flow. This adaptable setup evolves with shifting needs, providing a range of functional experiences.

A glimpse into the office from reception

A dynamic array of mobile furniture in the office area energizes the space. Pegboards behind desks offer limitless storage possibilities, and vast L-shaped windows flood the room with light, turning it into a vibrant leisure zone complete with sand tables and rest platforms. This bold, inviting atmosphere is crafted to ignite and fuel creativity.

Flanking the office area is the expansive conference room, a dual-purpose space for meetings and audiovisual presentations. It boasts a serene, cocoon-like atmosphere, with interior windows letting in light and clearly defining its purpose.

For designers, exhibitions are more than just projects; they are an extension of their creative soul. We transform the corridor next to the large conference room into a vibrant canvas with wall-mounted shelves, extending the showroom's allure and creating a dynamic, inspiring space that blends seamlessly with the office.

A metal mesh ceiling in the corridor creates a striking visual impact

Window-side display

Sand table in the leisure zone

In the lounge zone, a captivating N-scale railroad diorama awaits. Controlled by cutting-edge DCC and TrainController™ software, the intricate track system allows multiple trains to glide along predetermined schedules or embark on spontaneous journeys. Though still a work in progress, this delightful diorama promises continuous updates and enhancements, transforming it into an ever-evolving miniature world of wonder.

Trains running to a set timetable

Client
PlanetRing Industry

Location
Shenzhen

Area
600 m²

Completion Date
2024.07

Design Firm
E Studio

Lead Designer
Fan, Junjian
Zhou, Xuanzhuo

Design Team
Huang, Chenxi
Liu, Shuqi
Liu, Ying
Hao, Xingyun

FF&E
Zhou, Jing

Lighting Design
Moke Lighting

Photographer
Meatmountain

Materials
Concrete, galvanised steel, polycarbonate sheet, metal mesh, orange laminated glass, lacquered panels, birch plywood

Custom Furniture
Aosi Furniture

Construction
Shenyi Decoration Engineering
Liang, Zhihua