Zenstay Hotel by Shengzhe Shen

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

SS : Localism and Modernism. Sincere and direct.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

SS : Focusing on the integration of local traditional culture and new contemporary art. Adapt local traditional culture to contemporary living habits and aesthetics.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

SS : This is a new beginning for me.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

SS : About 3 months.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

SS : I have been engaged in adaptive renovation design of historical cultural blocks, traditional villages and industrial heritage areas, as well as the integrated design of architecture, interior and landscape of boutique hotels，homestay, cultural and artistic spaces. So I decide it.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

SS : Sorry. It's an architectural design, which cannot be copied and can only adapt to the established site.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

SS : Respect for local traditional culture.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

SS : Peter Zumthor.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

SS : Mainly private owners.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

SS : Telling a simple and profound story is easier to move people.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

SS : This is a quiet place for thinking

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

SS : There is no best design, only the most appropriate design.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

SS : Yes, with my team.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

SS : It solves many problems in structure and material.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

SS : No. I'm dealing with people and environment. I always stay at the scene, even for a few weeks, to understand the actual situation.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

SS : There were series of difficulties overcame by folk wisdom and design strategy on the islands far away from the mainland without large construction machinery and vehicles.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

SS : Hope to be recognized and exposed.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

SS : Every new design task is a new learning.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

SS : NO. Thank you.