André Fu Studio embarks upon his first foray into the ultra-luxurious residential market of Mainland China with Dongzhimen 8 in Beijing, designed by gad. With an extensive portfolio of projects throughout Asia and Europe, the Studio has revolutionized the concept of modern luxury with a series of projects that reflect the Studio’s signature artistic perspective and timeless sensibility.
“The spirit of my design philosophy is about provoking new ways of thinking about what luxury means,” says Fu. For the past decade and a half, André Fu Studio’s vision has been defined by a seamless alignment of cultural and design sensibilities, modern luxury, art and craftsmanship.
Boasting Beijing’s duality of ‘Modern vs. Historic’, André Fu Studio undertook the key public areas, as well as four show apartments for the residence that shall feature a curated André Fu Living collection. André seeks to portray his personal interpretation of the city’s historic heritage in a modern manner. Drawing from historical and traditional references such as The Forbidden City, Hutong valleys, the residues of fortifications which date back several millennia, these are the distinct characteristics within the city that Fu seeks to celebrate Beijing’s unique sense of place. Since the Yuan Dynasty, Dongzhimen, also known as the East Gate, was at the heart of trade and commerce. History and tradition has continued to this day with Dongzhimen developing into a modern day commercial hub. With the Liangma River wrapping around the rear, the river provides a peaceful backdrop contrasting to the bustle of the façade. Marrying this repose and prosperity with the auspicious number 8, the namesake Dongzhimen 8 is integrated into the residences’ brand further imbuing the past and the future into the development.
As a tribute to the city’s heritage and traditional Chinese architecture profiles, André has opted to create various interlocking timber structures within the main public areas. The use of materials is graceful in colour and texture with a palette of oak, mineral grey marble and bronze; accentuated with highlights of upholstery in shades of mink, mud red and green tea.
"The purpose of architecture is to shelter and enhance man's life on earth and to fulfill his belief in the nobility of his existence", Eero Saarinen.
Dongzhimen 8 has adapted and developed from it’s site lineage to become the revitalized and distinguished domicile for the new future residents.
Project Sheet
Name: Dongzhimen 8
Exterior design: gad
Interior design: André Fu Studio
Design team: DIA & André Fu Studio
Landscape design: Zheng Shanfeng
Location: Dongzhimen, Beijing, China
Design year: 2020
