Seth Powers

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The Handmade Surface: Imperfection, Texture, and Craft in Contemporary Chinese Interiors

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Craft in contemporary interiors is increasingly valuable in the way materials are joined and brought into relation with one another. As the appetite for fast, inexpensive, and profitable retrofitting grows, there is also a parallel desire for interiors that feel thoughtfully resolved: spaces where details are integrated, material assemblies are considered, textures transition with intention, and hardware is treated as part of the architectural language rather than an afterthought. In many contemporary Chinese interiors, craft operates quietly through the treatment of surfaces and structures: timber that retains its irregularity, terrazzo that records aggregate and handwork, or finishes that reveal the care of their making.

This is especially important in an era when digital images increasingly reward smoothness. Rendered interiors often appear seamless, frictionless, and complete before construction has even begun. Craft complicates this image. It introduces tolerance, texture, material resistance, and the sense that a surface has passed through human hands before becoming architecture. Imperfection is not necessarily a failure of precision. To the eye that knows how to read it, it can become evidence of process.

The Handmade Surface: Imperfection, Texture, and Craft in Contemporary Chinese Interiors - More Images+ 16

Transforming Industrial Heritage: Design Strategies for Creating a New Atmosphere in Cultural Spaces

Creating an atmosphere that enhances exhibitions and enriches the visitor and user experience requires a thoughtful balance between preserving a space's unique character and adapting it to meet the needs of artistic and cultural production. The challenge lies in maintaining a building's industrial atmosphere while accommodating the specific requirements of exhibition design or the various uses the new building will require. This delicate task involves careful consideration of spatial layout, material choices, and lighting solutions, all of which play a significant role in shaping the new environment.

Transforming Industrial Heritage: Design Strategies for Creating a New Atmosphere in Cultural Spaces - More Images+ 18

Anadu Pine Villa / Studio8

Anadu Pine Villa / Studio8 - More Images+ 44

  • Architects: Studio8
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  608
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  &Tradition

Nebula / Atelier I-N-D-J

Nebula / Atelier I-N-D-J  - More Images+ 14

Fotografiska Shanghai / AIM Architecture

Fotografiska Shanghai / AIM Architecture - More Images+ 29

  • Architects: AIM Architecture
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  4637
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2023

Star River Headquarters / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Star River Headquarters / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill - More Images+ 13

Guangzhou, China

Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank Headquarters / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank Headquarters / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill - Exterior Photography, Office Buildings
© Seth Powers

Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank Headquarters / Skidmore, Owings & Merrill - More Images+ 21

Shen Zhen Shi, China

Shenzhen Prince Plaza / OMA

Shenzhen Prince Plaza / OMA - More Images+ 8

M·Cube / MVRDV

M·Cube / MVRDV - Shopping Centers
© Seth Powers

M·Cube / MVRDV - More Images+ 17

  • Architects: MVRDV
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Hunter Douglas
  • Professionals: AGC Design, HK, Gartner, LPA, JP, +2

Capella Jianyeli / Kokaistudios

Capella Jianyeli / Kokaistudios - Houses, Garden, Stairs, Facade, Door, Arch
© Seth Powers

Capella Jianyeli / Kokaistudios - More Images+ 20

Cofco Plaza Renovation / KOKAISTUDIOS

Cofco Plaza Renovation / KOKAISTUDIOS - More Images+ 22

  • Architects: KOKAISTUDIOS
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  49000
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2017

Raffles City Hangzhou / UNStudio

Raffles City Hangzhou / UNStudio - More Images+ 26

Brasserie Restaurant / Kokaistudios

Brasserie Restaurant / Kokaistudios - More Images+ 16

Kyoto, Japan
  • Architects: Kokaistudios
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  870
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2016

JI-SHI Urban Harvest / Atelier INDJ

JI-SHI Urban Harvest / Atelier INDJ  - More Images+ 18

Octave Living Room / Tsao & McKown Architects

Octave Living Room / Tsao & McKown Architects  - More Images+ 22

The Clinic / hcreates

The Clinic / hcreates - More Images+ 12

Liquid Laundry / hcreates

Liquid Laundry / hcreates - More Images+ 15